Minister Sandiaga Asks For Suggestions From Ulama To Develop Madura Tourism

Sandiaga Uno (Photo via Twitter)

JAKARTA - The Minister of Tourism and Creative Economy (Menparekraf) Sandiaga Uno involved scholars and kiai for the development of creative tourism in Madura.

This was revealed by Sandiaga when he met a number of ulama and kiai representing 4 districts in Madura with the concept of Focus Group Discussion (FGD).

"We are listening to input from kiai-ulama regarding the future development of creative tourism in Madura," said Sandiaga Uno in a written statement, Saturday, April 2.

The former deputy governor of DKI conveyed that there were three key directions from the kiai and Ulama for tourism development according to the characteristics of the Madurese.

Sandiaga said Madura has tremendous potential for religious tourism. From the west end in Bangkalan, there is the tomb of Syaikona Khalil.

Then at the eastern end of Sumenep there is Asta Tinggi (the burial of the kings), the Jamik Mosque (a relic of the Sumenep Kingdom), and Asta Yusuf on Poteran Talango Island which is always crowded with pilgrims from various regions.

"There are three directions, the first is Islamic creative economy tourism, the second is Indonesian, and the third is Madurese," he said.

"We will design some of these inputs as a new economic challenge after the pandemic to revive the economy and open up business and job opportunities for the Madurese community," said Sandiaga.

This morning's exercise, I was presented with a beautiful view in Princean Village, Bangkalan District, Madura Island. Famous for its Fisherman's Village, there are lots of parked boats for the community's livelihood. pic.twitter.com/EkaemreLkV

— Sandiaga Salahuddin Uno (@sandiuno) April 1, 2022

More than that, Sandiaga also hopes that the expectations of the ulama and kiai can be realized through the cooperation of the regional government.

"Hopefully the regional government and regents can present programs that are right on target, with the right benefits, and in a timely manner to answer the needs of people who are struggling because of job opportunities and rising prices of basic commodities," said Sandiaga.