Visit Tirta Empul Temple, Jokowi Reminds Cultural Assets To Be Careful

JAKARTA - President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) reminded the importance of paying attention to cultural assets. All parties are asked to maintain sustainability and be maintained as much as possible.

This was conveyed by Jokowi when he visited the cultural heritage of Tirta Empul Temple, Gianyar Regency, Bali, Friday, May 6.

"I leave a message, keep the health protocols, keep clean because these are state assets, people's assets, indigenous people's assets that provide welfare to the people in this traditional village and also to the local government, there is income there", said Jokowi as quoted from Presidential Secretariat press statement, Friday, May 6.

Jokowi also appreciated the condition of the temple which is located east of the Tampaksiring Presidential Palace. Moreover, Tirta Empul Temple, which is located in the Pakerisan river basin, has been designated as a world heritage.

"I think this is a well-maintained, clean temple, and now tourists are starting to come a lot", said Jokowi.

Meanwhile, the customary village head of Tirta Empul Temple, Made Mawiarnata, invited the whole community to introduce the cultural heritage of Tirta Empul Temple widely to attract tourists. Moreover, the number of tourists in that place had dropped due to the COVID-19 pandemic and has finally increased recently.

"Let us together lend a hand, marketing Tirta Empul Temple again to get more visits", he said.

"Tourists have started to arrive, especially domestic tourists. From abroad there are already, but only a few. Thanks to the opportunities that have been provided by our government, this is very supportive", added Mawiarnata.

During the visit, Jokowi was accompanied by the Coordinator of the Presidential Special Staff, Ari Dwipayana. The public also seemed enthusiastic when Jokowi came to Tirta Empul Temple.