The Public Works and Housing Ministry beautifies Dieng highlands

Jakarta (ANTARA) - The Public Works and Housing Ministry has planned to beautify the look of Dieng Plateau to lure more domestic and international travellers to come.

"Beautifying the area is expected to attract the tourists to come to Dieng so that locals' economic condition can be improved," Public Works and Housing Minister Basuki Hadimuljono said in a press statement that ANTARA received here on Sunday.

He also said that the efforts to transform the tourist site into a more attractive place would also provide great services for the visitors.

The highland boast many great potentials for tourism, such as its natural, scenic beauty, coupled with refreshing air, he pointed out.

On top of that, Dieng is also home to many historical and geological sites, such as Sikidang Crater, Sileri Crater, Telaga Warna (Lake of Colour), Mount Prau, and array of temples, he mentioned.

The area management project, which needs a budget of Rp 101 billion (US$6,8 million), will kick off in 2023, the minister pointed out.

Currently, of the 4,600 hectares of Dieng area, 5.7 hectares are in the middle of auction process for the project management, the minister noted.

The areas which will be improved include Arjuna Temple complex and Sikidang area in Banjarnegara, as well as Telaga Warna, Sikunir Hill, and Sikidang area in Wonosobo, he mentioned.

He mentioned that the projects cover renovation of main building as well as development of manager's office, places of worship, storage room, ticketing and information, amphitheatre or camping ground, stalls, parking lot, and landscaping.

The ministry pays attention to everything down to the smallest detail, focusing on artistic value while also incorporating the local potential, including the natural resources, he added.

He cited Sikunir Hill arrangement project as an example, which has the amphitheatre facility that is expected to support the local artistic and cultural pursuits.

By showcasing the local characteristics, the  people would hopefully be able to generate foreign exchange,create job opportunities, and boost the local economic growth, he said.