Sentani Lake Festival to Promote Culture of Papua, Boost Local Economy
Jakarta. The 10th Sentani Lake Festival in Sentani, Jayapura district, on June 19-23 is set to promote the culture of Papua.
The festival will feature a dance parade, art performances, competitions and promotional events ahead of the 20th National Sports Week (PON XX) in Papua.
Many visitors are expected to join the parade which will showcase various Indonesian dances in a celebration of diversity, Jayapura tourism agency head Chris Kores Tokoro said at a press conference in Jakarta on Tuesday (13/06), adding that the annual event has been beneficial to the local economy.
"In 2015 it generated Rp 8 billion [$600,000], in 2016 — Rp 11 billion. This year our target is Rp 15 billion," he said.
The ministry's deputy for tourism development Esthy Reko Astuti said the event has a positive impact on the younger generations, which have become more interested in traditional handicraft and performing arts.
"Through the festival we hope to preserve and strengthen the cultural heritage of Sentani and attract more local and foreign tourists," Esthy said, adding that in 2015 more than 45,000 people came to visit Sentani Lake.
Tourism Minister Arief Yahya said that in addition to world-renowned Raja Ampat and the snow-topped Jayawijaya Mountain, Sentani Lake is another of Papua's beautiful destinations.
"Sentani offers beautiful views and it is also attractive. Congratulations to the 2017 Sentani Lake Festival, and more success for the people of Jayapura," Arief said.
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