By: Ermina MIRANTI
Since 2005, the West Sumatra government has set as one of the main tourist destination in Indonesia. With natural beauty and cultural richness, West Sumatra is very potential to be developed as a tourist area, both mountain tourism, marine and eco tourism. Especially with the opening of Minangkabau International Airport in July 2005 and made the area known as Minang this aspect can be accessed directly by more countries. This year the local government has held a number of packages and tourist attraction at various tourist sites through a program of "Visit Minangkabau." Various international events will be held here in 2006. Among them are, and the Women's International Peace Walk Walk that involved more than 400 people and tourists walking clubs around the world from 22 countries, and international surfing competition to be held in the Mentawai of Siberut Island.
Unfortunately, the natural beauty of the area that is a blend of mountains, valleys, lakes and beaches with a unique culture that has not been managed well so that the tourism industry barely growing. In fact, with a touch of tourism infrastructure and promotion of adequate this area would not be expected to lose to Bali.
Agricultural Sector Economics as a base West Sumatra province is largely a plateau Bukit Barisan mountain range that stretches from south to north, while the other fraction is a lowland area stretching from south to north, overlooking the Indian Ocean. Adjacent to North Sumatra and Riau in the north, with Jambi in the East, the Indian Ocean to the west and south of Bengkulu. Embracing regional matrilineal system in the kinship system occupies an area of 42.2 thousand square kilometers consisting of 12 districts, 7 cities and 158 districts. In 2004 the population of West Sumatra, according to BPS records reached 4.5 million residents are about 98% of them Muslim.
In contrast to the surrounding areas, including areas of West Sumatra has a relatively limited natural resources. However, the area that has a beautiful natural panorama is very spectacular in Indonesia has a plateau lands that are suitable for various types of food crops both different types of vegetables or fruits that some of them marketed to neighboring countries such as Singapore and Malaysia. In one of the highland areas, in fanning Sileh Bukit Jaya, Kabupaten Solok, a few years ago never developed area of seed potato plants from Germany who tutored by agricultural experts from countries stretcher and the results are also exported to Germany.
In addition, several areas have been developed for plantation crops such as palm oil, tea, resin, rubber, coffee, coconut, and cinnamon. That is why, most of Gross Domestic Income (GDP) this province relies too much on agriculture. In 2003 for example, the agricultural sector contributed about 23.6 percent to the GDP formation of West Sumatra. The next largest contributor sectors other than agriculture are trade, services, hotels & restaurants and transport & communications sectors.
Table 1. Gross Domestic Income (GDP) of West Sumatera Province by Industrial Origin (in billion rupiah).
Industrial
2000
2001
2002
2003
USD billion
Share
Agriculture
5.099
5.823
6.651
7.548
6.23%
Mining & Quarrying
800
897
1.020
1.055
3.3%
Manufacturing Industry
3.060
3.418
3.746
3.937
12.3%
Electricity, Gas & Water Supply
296
373
548
697
2.2%
Construction
1.027
1.181
1.290
1.466
4.6%
Trade, Hotels & Restaurants
4.044
4.639
5.201
5.619
17.5%
Transportation and Communications
3.020
3.442
4.290
4.718
14.7%
Finance, Real Estate & Business Services
1.074
1.241
1.417
1.594
5.0%
Ja sa-services
4.041
4.401
4.945
5.387
16.8%
Total
22.462
25.415
29.107
32.023
100.0%
Source: Central Bureau of Statistics, GDP by City / County in Indonesia, 2000-2003
Starting from Minangkabau International Airport Aware of the natural resources are relatively limited, local governments began to glance at the tourism sector as one of the reliable sources of local revenue Sumbar, even as a major tourist destination in Indonesia.
Local government's ambition to make the West Sumatra as a major tourist destination in Indonesia is the dream since tens of years ago. Development Minangkabau International Airport (BIM), located 29 kilometers north of the city of Padang, is part of the dream. The new airport was opened in July 2005 and then, his life has been planned since 20 years ago.
However due to limited financial capacity of government which followed the economic crisis, its development has delayed several times. New Construction began in 2002 and was completed in May 2005. By moving the airport from Tabing limited capacity to Ketaping with 2750 meters long runway that can accommodate wide-bodied aircraft like Airbus and Boeing 737-400, are expected to access the international world of Minang aspect will be more wide open - something that has been the cause of several airlines postpone the opening of overseas flights penerbangannnya path into the field.
Along with the development of BIM, the existing roads were improved. Besides the construction of new roads, all existing roads in-hotmix up to the outposts towns and villages. To facilitate accessibility to the airport, cross the middle of the road the Padang-Bukittinggi Sumatra from Tabing to Simpang Duku Padang Pariaman which was originally a one-lane (two lanes) is now widened into two lanes (four lanes) in restricted green belt. During 2004, at least there are about 40 major projects for infrastructure development of roads and bridges in the province of West Sumatra, worth Rp 198 billion. Among these projects are pilot projects-By Pass road Solok, Solok regency, Lubuk Alung By Pass in Padang Pariaman and Jalan-Lawang Maninjau Agam District. Another project is the construction of roads Sicincin - Malalak along the 50 kilometer road widened from 11 meters to 15 meters. This road will become an alternative route connecting Padang - Bukittinggi. Whereas in 2005 also began construction of elevated road connecting the nine meanders Bukittinggi with Riau Province.
In an effort to develop coastal tourism is also built two-lane coastal road (four lane) to the airport along approximately 22.9 miles. Thus, tourists travel to and from the airport in Padang were treated to a beautiful coastal scenery and interesting. Padang beach area itself is located in Padang city center that had been neglected and has now also improved two-lane road was built so that now looks more beautiful, pretty and interesting. Every evening thousands of residents and tourists visit this beach to enjoy the charm of the sunset and the fishermen going to sea.
Improving the transport infrastructure was also carried out in streets that connect the city of Padang to Solok District through the development of alternative measures of By Pass road Solok district along the 2.5 kilometers. The project is valued at USD 79.9 billion, followed by straightening and widening of roads in locations prone to accidents and many turns and climbs along approximately 4.5 kilometers. Thus, the road from Padang to Solok which was composed of a misty road because of cold temperatures, winding and full of dangerous because along the ravine slope / canyon deep enough on one side of the road (one of the dangerous areas that often brings the victim is Sitinjau Sea ) are now wider and straight-cut limestone hills along the road there. Travel-Solok Padang which was very uncomfortable because of sharp turns and require travel time approximately 1.5 hours can now be reached only by 45 minutes. Solok district itself hotmix road construction and improvement is also done to the villages so that the outposts en route to the tourist attractions in the area of Solok district like Twin Lakes (Lake Above and Below) and Lake Batur can be passed with a comfortable and more travel time brief.
Tourism potential With the geographical conditions which is a blend of mountains, valleys, beaches, and lakes, West Sumatra, laden with dozens of places that offer natural and maritime landscapes are beautiful and interesting place to visit. That's not including other tourism assets, such as historic sites, cultural property, folk art, folk handicrafts and various attractions to be presented in support of other attractions that are not less attractive for development.
Tourist attractions in West Sumatra are spread evenly in almost all cities and counties. In the city of Padang is the provincial capital with the customary Azaz basandi syara ', syara' basandi kitabulah (bersendikan customary religious law, Shari'a bersendikan Book of Allah / Al-Qur 'an) of this beach there are a number of interesting sights to visit, such as Bungus, Coral Tirta, Padang Beach, Beach Caroline, Sweet Water Tourism Region, Malin Kundang, Mount Field, and so forth. Bungus is one of the most visited tourist spot for its beautiful white sandy beaches and pleasant for swimming, motor boating, or just enjoy the sunset scenery interspersed with fishing boats who were fishing. In this beach boat rental is also available for berlayat small islands located around the coast, such as Sirandah Island, Island Sikoci pagang, and Pasumpahan.
From Padang to Solok were heading there Bung Hatta Forest Park is situated about 20 km from the center of the city of Padang. In the great forest area covering 70 000 hectares, there are a number of rare flora and fauna are protected. The cool mountain air and beautiful scenery also stained with the singing of birds chirping bersahut-replication is combined with different sounds other animals make this area become one of the main tourist area is in great demand. Solok regency of Solok the capital moved to Arosuko (Kayu Aro and Sukarami) which also has beautiful natural panorama and the cool air that is in the Bukit Barisan range, bumpy, hilly and berlembah the main attraction for day trips. And lush green area located at an altitude of 400 to 1700 meters above sea level has four lakes, namely Danau Batur (Indonesia's second largest lake after Lake Toba), Lake Talang, Above Lake, and Lake Under a truly captivating.
Lake Above and Below Lake which is located adjacent to each other, also known as Twin Lakes. The trip to Twin Lakes from Padang - Simpang Lubuak Silasih - Lake, tourists will enjoy the charm of another with the winding road, climbing and dropping. On one side of the road there is a green hill on the other nan abyss and there is a green valley with a depth so far with amazing charm. Ravine and valleys along the journey there from Simpang Lubuak Silasiah Gumanti Valley has stunning natural scenery and beauty that is very hard to describe with words. Indonesia Rosihan Anwar a man of letters in one of his writings have described the beauty of the valley along the valley Gumanti equivalent to the existing beauty of the Grand Canyon in the United States.
Above the lake is located in the Valley Gumanti, located about 1,600 meters above sea level, a depth of only 44 meters with an area of 17.2 square miles (6.12 km x 2.75 km). While Under the Lake is located in Kampung Batu Dalam, a few kilometers above the valley Gumanti. Located 1566 meters above sea level, with a depth of 886 meters and the area 16.9 square kilometers. This lake produces various kinds of delicious lake fish sold in the market village of Bukit Sileh which only exists every Friday.
Twin Lakes area around there is the spread of tea gardens owned by PTP Nusantara VI, the results of which are exported to various countries like Sri Lanka, India and the Middle East. Tea plantations have also been developed as an agro-tourism area. In addition to the tea garden, along the road in this area also extends the spread of garden passion fruit, cabbage, eggplant fruit Netherlands (fruit typical of this region that tastes sweet acid), various kinds of other vegetables that can become a place of tourist spending an interesting vegetable. During recent years, passion fruit plantation has become one of the mainstay products of this region which successfully increased the level of welfare in the economy of local communities.
Because of this atmosphere and natural beauty, the region with temperatures of 14-16 degrees Celsius is suitable for convention tourism, outbound, tracking, water sports and so forth. But until now only over the Lake region that has been developed as a tourist area, rose to the management of which is still very limited. In this area above the land area of 40 hectares of local government has been building a resort that has 800 people capacity conference hall, two large two-storey villas, two small villas and 10 cottages. While Under the Lake area is still very natural and untouched by tourism facilities.
In the town of Solok, we can still encounter a number of traditional customs house (known by the name "Tower House") with a fine and wonderful colors.
Lake Batur located in the plains is lower than Twin Lakes. Lake area of 13 011 hectares is the second largest lake after Lake Toba in Indonesia. The lake is one of favorite tourist attractions has been developed as a tourist area so that existing tourism facilities here are relatively complete as hotels and restaurants. In Lake is also often organized tourist activities and adventures paragliding which was followed by participants from inside and outside the country such as Japan, Australia, Canada, India, Sweden, the Philippines and the United States.
Bukit Tinggi, a city that was once the capital of the days of the Sukarno government of Indonesia is surrounded by three volcanoes namely Mt Singgalang, Mountain and Mount Tandikat Marapi. In the center of town stands the Clock Tower (Big Clock), which became an icon of this city. In addition, there were some interesting sights in this cool city, also can be found in various kinds of handicrafts such as embroidery, embroidery, various types of food people. Results of embroidery and needlework Bukit Tinggi, famous for its good quality and have been exported to many countries, like Brunei, Malaysia, Singapore and European countries and some countries in the Middle East.
The famous tourist object is in the City Bukittnggi Sianok Gorges, Fort Fort de Kock, Goa Japan, the Clock Tower and others. Bukittinggi also includes one of the center of vegetables in West Sumatra.
Sianok canyon is one of the natural attractions the pride of West Sumatra. Valley as deep as 100 to 150 meters is 15 km wide extends approximately 200 meters, including one of the wonders of nature that has the beauty of hard to describe with words and are difficult to find his equal throughout Indonesia. Very "colorful", surrounded by green valleys and in which the water flowed clear Sianok River valley based. In this gap by Dutch colonialists also called buffalo sanget, because the number of free-living wild buffalo in the bottom of the gorge.
In Kabupten Agam Lake Maninjau who have become icons wiasta area. This lake is located about 36 km from Bukittinggi and with an area of 9950 hectares. The lake is beautiful and wonderful, so much visited by tourists from different regions and some even came directly from overseas, such as Europe, America, Japan, Australia, and others. A national literary elegance Lake Maninjau writing no less for its beautiful lakes in Lucerne, Zurich or Geneva (Switzerland) which is famous throughout the world. One of the uniqueness of this city is the way to the lake must pass through a sharp bend of the famous 44 with serpentine Ampek Ampek (44). From the direction of Padang, serpentine-Ampek Ampek located on the edge of Lake Maninjau circle, climb, bend sharply to the left to right stride for the sky of Bukit Barisan. Conversely, from the direction of Bukittinggi, serpentine-Ampek Ampek will shimmy back down the steep valley of Bukit Barisan toward Lake Maninjau the verdant expanse of the valley like a heavenly na elegantly beautiful. All of the sharp bend in the serpentine-Ampek Ampek was serialized continuously without a break along approximately 10 kilometers. With the width of the road about 3 to 3.5 meters without median or guardrail on either side of a steep cliff, the path was the legacy of Dutch colonial government to the pass-Maninjau-Puncak Lawang Bukittinggi.
Puncak Lawang at this historic meeting allegedly occurred between Tuanku Imam Bonjol and former Commander-Prince Diponegoro War Alibasyah Sentot Prawirodirjo-to continue the fight together against the Dutch colonial government. Puncak Lawang recent years and Lake Maninjau be one location where paragliding race which was followed by dozens of national and international athletes, such as Japan, Australia, Canada, India, Sweden, the Philippines, and the United States.
In District 50 City sights encountered no less beautiful, like the Valley Harau, Tanah Datar in the Palace Pagaruyungnya, and Agam with Lake Maninjaunya. Harau valley is famous waterfall with a height of 150 meters, and limestone hills. In this area could be heard the voices of fauna such as tigers, tapirs, gibbons, and others.
Meanwhile, on the other side of West Sumatra islands whose names are more popular in West Sumatra and even foreign countries than Indonesia itself, namely the Mentawai Islands. Mentawai popularity overseas even nearly matching Bali. The area is still very natural which is surrounded by mangrove forest which has dozens of islands so beautiful, clean and clear water and white sand. Besides beautiful Mentawai waters are also known as the most challenging place for lovers of water sports or surfing because the pounding waves of the Indian Ocean produce an interesting and best waves in the world to surf. No wonder that the Mentawai beach is very popular among surfers around the world. There are 23 points to play surfing with the international standards in the area of these islands. Among them there are in Nyangnyang, Coral Bajat, Kaoniki and Pananggelat Mainuk District of South Siberut, Sipora Katiet Bosua in District and the South coast and the western district of North Pagai. Every year is estimated there are about 2000 people surf tourists in an area that has a 758 km coastline this is usually tourists from foreign countries. Average surfer spends time every 14 days.
According to the Kompas daily, Mentawai famous name because in this region there are also Siberut National Park which covers 1905 square kilometers and became the world's lungs. The forest has a certain uniqueness that are different from other tropical forests, as a result of the isolation of approximately 500 000 years, causing the properties to the flora and fauna endemic. There are a number of animals / primates endemic here, as Bokoi (monkey Mentawai), Jojo (monkey Mentawai), Simakobu (Hoop Mentawai), and Kloss's Gibbon. In the forest there are also Mentawai at least 150 species of medicinal plants, and most were not found in any forest area. In addition to the unique and rare woods, the Mentawai is also famous for its unique culture are very different from the culture of the society on the ground to the ground (called the Mentawai of West Sumatra mainland). Tattoo on the Mentawai culture, including the oldest in the world with a variety of unique and specific tattoos.
Besides some amazing sights above, West Sumatra still have a number of other places where that is no less interesting as clever Sikek and the famous Silungkang songket and various handicrafts people, Anai valley with views of tropical forests and waterfalls as high as 40 meters, which amazing, beautiful grotto and Rimba Panti. In Tanah Datar, the oldest city of the Minangkabau culture, there are many historical relics and Minangkabau culture, such as the Palace Pagaruyung which is central to the 14th century kingdom of Minangkabau, Batu Basurek, Stone Batikam, Rice Satampang Baniah, Long Grave, Minangkabau architecture, Hall Saruang and so forth. Tanah Datar also has beautiful natural scenery marked by a carpet of terraced rice fields.
There are various tourist attractions that can be offered which is currently not yet developed. Among them are diving tours (diving) around the Mentawai islands, fishing, hiking, or just sight seeing.
From the cultural attractions that have the potential to offer is the Feast Tabuik in Pariaman namely an attraction Pariaman community ritual that later became the national tourism calendar, held annually on 10-10 Muharam. Party "Tabuik" - portray burak, a kind of animal well-built body of horse, a winged, human-headed, and has had two cases (the body) which berumbul umbrella-like crown banners, decorated with colorful with 12-15 meters high - is a warning against War of Karbala that killed Hasan and Hosen, grandson of Prophet Muhammad. At the time of this feast was held in the main street and beach Pariaman Gondoriah thousands of visitors will be filled by local tourists, domestic, and foreign tourists. In this two-party Tabuik ie Tabuik Subarang Tabuik Pasa and shaken while musical accompaniment of drums and drum tasa. The second evening Tabuik Gondoriah stretchered to a beautiful beach, and sunset, two Tabuik thrown into the sea. The interesting thing this party as well Minangkabau diramaikan by other arts attractions.
Other cultural attractions are unique and interesting art Randai, namely a kind of folk theater Minangkabau loaded with music, dance-based martial arts, and folk petatah typical Minangkabau proverb. Randai strength lies in music and the movements are very dynamic. When packaged in a trim according to the International President of the Community Music Traditions of Asia-Pacific Prof Dr Mohammad Anis, as quoted by Media Indonesia, this can equal Randai art of Japanese Kabuki theater or from the German Tanz gained popularity in foreign countries. Many other cultural attractions that attract tourists are Baralek Gadang, namely a Minangkabau-style wedding procession with pelaminannya distinctive clothing and colors are very attractive.
Nature tourism attractions utilize natural beauty is interesting to develop camping ground, mangrove forest tourism (eco tourism), marine parks, surfing, paragliding, and rafting.
Investment Opportunities With such a huge tourism potential, is certainly available and huge investment opportunities in the field of tourism in West Sumatra. Most of the existing tourist area not equipped with adequate tourist facilities and professionally managed. Under Lake tourism area, for example, completely untouched by tourism facilities good restaurant, inn / hotel, walking tracks, play ground, a souvenir shop, as well as various other facilities. The same is visible from many other tourist areas. While in the tourism area which already has facilities such tours Above Lake, Lake Maninjau, Lake Batur, stone cage and so the facilities available are still far from adequate. That is why, besides the number of visitors who come to this aspect of Minang are still relatively few, while also relatively short lived.
There are few investment opportunities that are still very open to enter the field of tourism in West Sumatra. First, hotels and restaurants. Until now the number of star hotels and non star in West Sumatra is still very limited. Star hotels such as there are only three units of four-star hotels, three star hotels four units, 11 units and five units of two stars one star. Star hotels are generally only concentrated around Bukittinggi and Padang. While in other areas is still relatively limited. Because that is why many tourists who visit this time is more concentrated in the tourism area of Bukittinggi. Similarly, restaurants, more representative and class is still very limited in number, however to improve the quality and quantity of hotels and restaurants must be in line with the development of various other facilities around the sights. In recent times, in line with its ambitions to develop tourism in West Sumatra, local governments have attempted to build various facilities in areas such as tourism area in the valley which is the location of Lake Gumanti Above. Nevertheless, due to limited funds, the facilities built are still far from adequate even though the land prepared for tourist facilities is relatively widespread and reached 40 hectares. Meanwhile surrounding community has also taken the initiative to rent out their homes as tourists visiting the surrounding Lake and Lake Maninjau Above but of course with very limited facilities.
Second, the resort development. With the topography of the area consisting of mountains, sea and valleys, several tourist locations in West Sumatra were in line developed for resorts such as Lake Above, Below Lake, Lake Maninjau, Lake Batur, and many beautiful small islands in Padang, Pariaman and Islands Mentawai.
Third, car rental services. In general the existing highway facility in West Sumatra was relatively good. However not yet supported by an adequate transportation facilities both in quality and quantity. A number of transport facilities available such as taxi or rental car is not professionally managed, so the quality of existing services and the car is still far from adequate. Therefore, to support the development of West Sumatra tourism still need a rental car or taxi services of a professional.
__________
Ermina MIRANTI is the Economic Analysis and Business at a state bank in Jakarta.
Source:www.west-sumatra.com
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