Siak Palace in Riau reopens to public

Following a fire on Monday, historical attraction Siak Palace in Siak regency, Riau, reopened to the public on Wednesday.

As reported by Antara news agency, on Monday afternoon a fire damaged several parts of the palace, including drapes and clothes worn by statues.

According to Riau administration's media center, the arsonist allegedly ignited the fire using fuel stored inside a water bottle.

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After the incident, Siak Regent Syamsuar asked the administration to start operating  a ticketing gate starting Wednesday. He also urged the palace staff to tighten security by adding more hidden cameras and replacing the damaged ones.

The palace is a cultural heritage site from the sultanate of Siak Sri Inderapura that was built in 1889. It also houses a komet musical instrument, which was reportedly brought back by the sultan of Siak XI, Sultan Assyaidis Syarif Hasyim Abdul Jalil Syaifuddin, from Germany. (wir/kes)