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Bondowoso named 'Megalithic City' to attract tourists
According to official data, a total of 1,215 megalithic sites can be found across the regency.
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A picturesque view in Bondowoso, East Java. (Shutterstock/File)
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fter declaring itself "The Republic of Coffee", Bondowoso regency in East Java has recently named itself the "Megalithic City" in a bid to lure domestic and foreign tourists.
As reported by kompas.com, Bondowoso Regent Salwa Arifin said the regency had immense potential, especially in terms of its historic attractions.
"Bondowoso regency is a haven of megalithic items that are spread across several regions," he said on Dec. 2.
Megalithic sites in Bondowoso offered educational value, especially in history, said Salwa. "We want the public, especially students, to learn more about these sites, hence they'll be able to discover the history of the city where they were born and raised."
Following the declaration, the regent is hopeful that tourists will flock to Bondowoso, which will have a positive effect on the local economy.
Read also: Central Sulawesi megalithic sites delineated for world heritage status
"[The megalithic] sites are spread across districts, hence the arrival of tourists will hopefully boost the local economies," added Salwa.
Separately, Bondowoso Art Coaching Committee head Sinung Sudrajat said that megalithic sites were indeed one of the gems of Bondowoso.
"Other regencies don't have this potential; hence we must utilize it as much as we can to attract tourists," he said.
According to official data, a total of 1,215 megalithic sites can be found across the regency.
"Each district has [megalithic sites], and we need to conduct research to determine the age of these sites," he said.
Sinung is hopeful the declaration will help make Bondowoso even more popular. "We are already known for our natural commodities like coffee and organic rice. Let's add megalithic sites to the list as well," he said. (kes)
