Waingapu, E Nusa Tenggara (AntaraNews NTT) - Deputy Minister for International Marketing at the Ministry of Tourism, I Gede Pitana, said that the Sumba Ikat Weaving Festival would create double impacts for the local government and the communities on the Island of Sumba.
"The Sumba Festival will have a double impact for both the economy and the tourism in East Sumba," he said on Thursday (12/7).
Pitana represented Tourism Minister Arief Yahya at the opening of the festival, which was attended by hundreds of weavers from four mainland districts of Sumba in Hero Field, Waingapu City, Sumba Island, East Nusa Tenggara Province.
He stated that the festival, which is part of the national tourism agenda, has created a double impact, such as improving the economy of the community in the local area.
This festival, he added, is also able to attract both domestic and foreign tourists to the Sumba Island.
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"For example, people depend on the roots of the noni tree for natural dyes for weaving. Thus, the take initiatives to maintain the trees well," he added.
Pitana appreciated the enthusiasm of thousands of people who came to witness and participate in the festival.
"I also greatly appreciate the East Sumba government and related agencies in the province for placing tourism as one of the leading sectors to build the region," he remarked.
The Sumba Ikat festival activities are held in combination with a 1,001 sandalwood parade, which is scheduled to be held in the afternoon around 03:00 p.m. local time on Walakiri Beach, East Sumba District.
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