TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Jakarta Governor Joko 'Jokowi' Widodo said the purchase of the ten carriages used in a cultural carnival several days ago, is meant to promote tourism. The horse-drawn carriages, bought from craftsmen in Solo, Klaten, Prambanan, and Yogyakarta will be stored at Taman Mini Indonesia Indah (TMII).

“Every time a festival is held, the carriages will be deployed, to attract tourists,” said Jokowi at the City Hall on Friday, December 20, 2013. In other words, the carriages are not only for display purposes.

Jokowi said the shape of the carriages, which reflects the characteristics of Solo and its surroundings, will show national cultural diversity. After all, Jakarta is the point where entities from all cultural backgrounds collide.

The Head of Tourism and Cultural Office of DKI Jakarta, Arie Budiman, said the purchase of the carriages cost Rp1.2 billion. The money came from the Regional Budget as amended in 2013. The budget was taken from the World Royal Heritage Festival, for which Rp20 billion was allocated.

Arie revealed that the carriages are DKI Jakarta’s long-term assets. “They can be utilized at every festival so we don’t have to rent them.”

Currently the carriages are parked at City Hall’s Blok G, DKI Jakarta. Passersby or employees sometimes take a photo with the carriages in the background.

A member of A Commission, Prasetyo Edi Marsudi, agrees with the purchase. According to him, this is an effort to promote DKI Jakarta’s culture.

“This will encourage our tourism industry,” he said.


SYAILENDRA