JAKARTA (JP): In an attempt to boost the number of museum visitors, Surabaya-based non-profit organization, House of Sampoerna, has published a brochure advertising seven museums in Indonesia.
The publication is part of the “Wisata Museum” program, which promotes museum tourism.
“Tourism is not merely related to recreation or having fun but also to education and cultural appreciation. By getting to know about our culture, people will learn to appreciate it,” Ina Silas of the House of Sampoerna said during the program’s launch at the National Museum in Jakarta on Thursday.
The seven museums are the National Museum, Museum of History and Bank Mandiri Museum, all in Jakarta; Batik Danar Hadi Museum in Surakarta, Central Java; Geology Museum in Bandung; and Sepuluh Nopember Museum in Surabaya.
The seven museums were chosen based on their capacity to accommodate visitors. The House of Sampoerna conducted a survey of museum attendance before deciding to publish the brochure.
Dedah Sri Handari of the National Museum said interest to museum had increased within the last few years, but it should be supported by enough information on museum’s collection and programs.
Data from the National Museum shows that the number of visitors to the museum fluctuated over the last three year. It reached 170,437 in 2005, shrink to 120,331 in 2006 and slightly increased to 162,227 in 2007.
These number were dominated by students and members of organization that held visiting program to the museum. In 2005 more than 55 percent (93,812) of visitors were students, in 2006 61 percent (73,481), while in 2007 48.43 percent (78,602) were students.
According to Education Ministry data, there are 275 private and state museums in the country.(mvm/**)
Source: The Jakarta Post
February 22nd, 2008
Ambon, Maluku (ANTARA News) - At least 300 British tourists aboard `Sagarose` cruise ship were expected to visit Maluku province`s capital of Ambon next March 3, 2008, a local official has said.
“Some 300 British tourists are scheduled to stay in Ambon for about eight hours to visit a number of tourist objects and enjoy Maluku`s special arts attractions,” Spokesman for the Ambon city administration, Henry Sopacua, said here Thursday.
Preparations have been made jointly with Maluku province`s Tourism Office, local security authorities, immigration office, state shipping company PT Pelni and local port administrator to welcome the foreign visitors.
Various preparations have also been made in support of the Visit Indonesia 2008 program, he said.
The British tourists were slated to visit the cemetery of Commonwealth soldiers who were killed during the World War II in Kapahaha area, Natsepa beach, Liang beach and Eel tourist site in Waai village.
The British tourists were also expected to enjoy the view of Ambon City where they can see the statue of national heroin Martha Christina Tiahahu in Karang Panjang area and Mt. Nona.
“Under the directives from Ambon Mayor Jopi Papilaja who has the idea of inviting the 300 British tourists, we are also preparing an arts collaboration performance dubbed `Tatobuang` and `Sawat`,” Henry said.
Head of Maluku province`s tourism office, Ape Watratan, hinted that Maluku Governor Karel Albert Ralahalu has included the visit of the 300 British tourists in the provincial tourism program in support of the Visit Indonesia 2008.
“The number of foreign tourists coming to Maluku continues to rise thanks to the increasingly conducive security situation following the communal conflict which began in 1999 but has now ended in peace,” Ape said.
Tourists from Australia have even frequently visited Maluku despite a travel warning issued by their government, he said. (*)
Source: ANTARA News
February 22nd, 2008