Sandiaga Impressed With The Potential Of Lapasi Tourism Villages In North Maluku, Asks For More Homestays

JAKARTA - Sandiaga Salahuddin Uno was mesmerized by the natural and cultural beauty of the Lapasi Tourism Village, West Halmahera Regency, North Maluku. He believes this place can be a potential tourist attraction.

The Minister of Tourism and Creative Economy admitted that he was impressed with the natural beauty and culture presented by the Jailolo community. With this potential, it is hoped that the community will be able to maintain and preserve the gift given by God Almighty.

"I was very impressed with the Lapasi Beach Festival because earlier I saw that there were various kinds of culinary, creative economy, crafts, and natural beauty and there was also a sunset festival, dancing in the sunset, our romance is not complete if we don't dance while enjoying the sunset at Lapasi Beach. , "said Menparekraf Sandiaga in his statement, Saturday, June 18.

Lapasi Tourism Village or commonly called Lako Akelamo has Lapasi Beach. Lapasi is an acronym for “Lako Pasir Indah” because it is famous for its beautiful twilight landscape.

In addition to offering several water sports tour packages, Lapasi Beach is also often used as a venue for the Jailolo Bay Festival.

"Development of the Lapasi Tourism Village is a Collaborative for the Development of the ASTRA Prosperous Village as an effort to revitalize the post-pandemic economy and also today I am impressed by the many tourist attractions in Jailolo, West Halmahera Regency to open employment and business opportunities," he said.

In addition, the Menparekraf also saw that the existing infrastructure in West Halmahera was quite good. However, to support quality infrastructure, better cooperation is needed in areas that must be focused on.

“I think accommodation such as a homestay is a much-needed facility, because it will increase their income. If you build a hotel, only investors will benefit. However, if we build a homestay together, it will certainly increase income for the community. The key is we have to collaborate," he said.

During a visit to the Lapasi Tourism Village, Menparekraf Sandiaga, was greeted by the Cakalele dance, a typical Maluku war dance that is usually played to welcome big guests or traditional celebrations. After that, Menparekraf tried the traditional game Boi Tempurung. That is the traditional game of throwing the ball into a pile of coconut shells, then throwing the ball at the opposing team's body.

After trying Boi Tempurung, Menparekraf met with thatched roof craftsmen and toured and participated in the 7 Tribe Culinary Theatre.

On the same occasion, the Regent of West Halmahera James Uang said he was happy with the presence of the Minister of Tourism and Creative Economy in his area. According to him, the presence of the Minister will be able to lift the spirit and motivation of the community to rise after the pandemic.

"As the host, we express our high appreciation to the Minister of Tourism and Creative Economy who is present in West Halmahera Regency and it is an honor for us and the community. Moreover, the Lapasi Tourism Village is designated as the 50 best tourist villages registered in Jadesa," he said.

"I believe that the establishment of Lapasi Village as the best tourist village will improve the economy for the local community. Believe it or not, tourist visits during holidays or weekends are very crowded. So that with the presence of the Minister, it is hoped that this will become a spirit, a support for us to continue to rise after the pandemic," he said.