The speech by the Minister of Culture and Tourism, of the Republic of Indonesia on the launch of www.wisatamelayu.com :
The enchantment of Indonesia, like a string of pearl, as the biggest archipelagic state in the world is a credit. With five big islands and more than 17.589 other small islands, including those 6.000 unoccupied ones, Indonesia is populated by 450 tribes speaking 583 of different local dialects. Such diversity, however, amalgamates under the very national language which is Indonesian. The Indonesian culture which includes traditional ceremonies, dances, dresses, cuisines, language, handicrafts and others constitutes the great pride of Nusantara. Thus, with the abundance of its natural resources and wealth of cultural heritage, Indonesia is ought to show up in the world arena, making those things recognized as the Indonesian genuine culture. And then, the culture will be the attracting point for the wave of tourists from all over the world.
Inseparable and complementary, culture and tourism are inevitably like the two sides of one coin. To the whole world, through tourism, we can present our infinite national heritage. Again, through the tourism by which the visitors either domestic or foreign reach different destinations in Indonesia, we can survive from the protracted economic crisis. In this regard, the tourism has contributed to both the increasing National Avenue and the provision of vocation.
1908 is the milestone for our nation owing to its important significance of awakening Indonesia. In 2008, on the occasion of 100 years of National Awakening, 100 tourism events will be held in all over Indonesia. The events, besides to promote the National program of “Visit Indonesian Year 2008”, are expected to be the trigger for Indonesians to raise the interests and concern on their own culture.
Therefore, I welcome and appreciate deeply the Center for Research and Development of Malay Culture (BKPBM) on its creative endeavor of making tourism website www.wisatamelayu.com and www.melayuonline.com. Not only for the provision of all information related to the Malay tourism, but also both websites are launched for compiling, revitalizing, and maintaining the Malay cultural heritages which are still embraced and had been practiced amongst society, so that can be the source of reference for the modern society. I hope the websites will be the valuable information about Indonesia in the realm of internet and play an important role in the “Visit Indonesia Year 2008”.
Finally, I congratulate the Center for Research and Development of Malay Culture (BKPBM) on the launching of www.wisatamelayu.com and www.melayuonline.com. Hopefully, all of our works make Indonesia as a great Nation.
Wassalamu`alaikum Wr. Wb., Best Wishes.
Minister of Culture and Tourism
Ir. Jero Wacik, S.E.