Unwilling to be left behind Bali and Yogyakarta, which are famous for their tourist attractions, Central Java launches a program called “2013 Visit Central Java Year” to draw both domestic and international visitors to the province.
SEMARANG – Central Java is a must-do among Indonesian provinces to visit due to its central geographical locations, its dramatic landscapes such as hills or volcanoes and also for its great cultural assets. However, it still fails to capitalize on providing an image for the entire region. Although Borobudur Temple is part of Central Java as it is located in the Magelang Regency, it mostly benefits to tourism development of the neighbouring province of Yogyakarta.
After hosting a rather unremarked Visit Central Java promotional program launched in 2011, the Province is preparing this time in a more professional way to fully capitalize on its new event.
Various preparations have been made, such as renovating and improving services at Semarang’s Ahmad Yani Airport, tourism villages and constructing overpasses.“The most important thing from the preparatory program is how to improve the supporting facilities, such as the airport and access to tourist destinations,” said recently Central Java Governor Bibit Waluyo to local media, during a meeting with officials from the Central Java Tourism and Culture Office.
The Central Java Visit Year 2013 is estimated to cost more than Rp 23 billion (about US$2.7 million), including costs for maintenance and construction, arts and culture events and promotion. The biggest allocation will go to promotion which could use up to around Rp 9 billion (US$ one million).
The Governor indicated that the 2013 Visit Central Java program was more mature in concept compared to the Central Java’s Asia’s Charm promotion program in 2011, which was not well implemented. The official launch occurred at Borobudur Temple last May, in conjunction with Borobudur Interhash 2012. The 2013 official grand launch will again use the same event in 2013.
Based on data compiled by the Central Java Tourism and Culture Office, the province is home to 35 primary tourism destinations, including culture, religious and agritourism attractions, which were visited by 21.3 million domestic and 318,000 foreign visitors in 2011. “The figure is projected to rise to 25 million domestic and more than 500,000 foreign visitors by 2013,” estimated Central Java Tourism and Culture Office head Prasetyo Ariwibowo.
Of the various primary tourist draws, tourism villages are projected to become the biggest draws, especially for foreign visitors, as Central Java is regarded as having many pristine culturally rich villages. “There are 50 tourism villages across Central Java that are ready to become hosts to visitors this year. They are the most prepared among the 115 villages in 18 regencies and mayoralties in the province,” Prasetyo said.
Special funds have also been earmarked for the renovation of Semarang old town (Kota Lama). Located in the heart of Central Java regional capital, Kota Lama is the last fully preserved colonial city dating back to Dutch times in the 18th century. Some 105 buildings in the area are officially recorded as heritage landmarks.
Luc Citrinot a French national is a freelance journalist and consultant in tourism and air transport with over 20 years experience. Based in Paris and Bangkok, he works for various travel and air transport trade publications in Europe and Asia.
