Maitara Island, which featured on a Rp1 thousand banknote issued in 2000, is the biggest tourist attraction in Ternate city, North Maluku, according to Minister of Tourism and Creative Economy, Sandiaga Salahuddin Uno. The city of Ternate has immense natural beauty and Maitara Island, which is located between Ternate Island and Tidore Island, is one of its scenic spots, which led to its being featured on the banknote, he noted.
“I see beauty on one of the highest peaks in Ternate, looking at Maitara and Tidore Islands. The scenery is extraordinarily beautiful and iconic. Because this scenic spot is exactly the same as the one on the old Rp1 thousand banknote. We will also see Sail Tidore, which is a magnet for our economic revival,” Uno said.
Not only that, Fitu village looks more special with Ngade lake, though its beauty has not been preserved on a banknote.
“But there is something even more special. At this point, we can see Maitara Island plus the lagoon lake in front of it,” Uno remarked.
He then recounted the origins of the destinations and photo spots on Lake Ngade. Initially, the land at the tourist destination belonged to residents and the community saw tourism potential in it. It was then developed in such a way that it became a tourist destination.
“What is interesting is that this land belongs to the residents, belonging to Mr. Ajid and Mrs. Rusdian, and was not originally a tourist destination. Because people saw the potential and lots of residents did pre-wedding photo shoots, eventually this place became a tourist destination full of innovation,” he said.
The distance from Ternate city to Lake Ngade is 10 kilometers and takes approximately 30–45 minutes to cover on a two-wheeled vehicle or car. Upon reaching, tourists need to pay a parking fee of Rp5 thousand for two-wheeled vehicles and Rp10 thousand for four-wheeled vehicles.
Uno said that during the G20 Summit, United States President Joe Biden told him that Indonesia has extraordinary beauty, natural resources, and cultural hospitality.
“We will push this together with the mayor; we will develop Ternate, North Maluku, as the happiest province in Indonesia, with the lowest inflation, the lowest unemployment, and the highest economic growth. We will make sure to create 1.1 million jobs this year and 4.4 million new jobs in 2024,” he informed.
During the visit, the minister was accompanied by the Mayor of Ternate, M. Tauhid Soleman; deputy for destination development and infrastructure at the Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy, Vincensius Jemadu; and director of regional destination development II at the Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy, Harwan Ekon Cahyo.
Source: Antara News