Pontianak, West Kalimantan – Tourism and Creative Economy Minister Sandiaga Salahuddin Uno has lauded the harmony in Singkawang, anointed as the most tolerant city in Indonesia, saying this will be a huge capital to develop the city’s tourism and culture.

“This is indeed a huge capital for Singkawang as a tourism city in West Kalimantan as, besides tourists visiting the city to enjoy the city’s beauty, the city’s culture and tolerance are also something that must be emulated by other regions,” Uno observed during his visit to Singkawang, West Kalimantan, on Thursday.

Uno said that he made his visit to fulfill a promise to Mayor Tjhai Chui Mie.

The minister then praised the Singkawang mayor and all parties who have protected the “precious tolerance” in the city, a melting pot for the Chinese, Dayak, and Malay communities who have lived there in harmony for centuries.

“We have seen the Cidayu (Chinese, Dayak, and Malay) cultural wisdom in Singkawang, which symbolizes harmony and reflects the unity and diversity in this city,” he noted.

Singkawang shows the whole meaning of tolerance, and the people must continue enhancing the spirit of unity to avoid conflict, he added.

Uno said that he was also amazed at Singkawang residents’ willingness to collaborate during the Chinese New Year and Cap Go Meh, the local name for the Lantern Festival.

“The Chinese New Year and the Cap Go Meh agendas have become international agenda, hence, all parties in Singkawang must innovate to develop the city’s tourism,” the minister remarked.

During his visit to Singkawang, Uno observed the attractions of Cidayu culture and a Tatung performance, which involves “possessed” performers who carry out dangerous acts, such as self-piercing their cheek with a metal rod. The minister also visited the Tjhia Family House, a cultural heritage in the city.

Source: Antara News