TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The 16th Poso Lake festival (FDP) was started on Friday October 25 under the theme "We Love Poso". Traditional art and culture performances from 10 regencies and one city in Central Sulawesi Province will be presented on the event.
The Head of Poso Tourism Promotional Agency, Putera Botilangi, said that the event is held each year by the local government of Central Sulawesi Province to promote its tourism potential.
"The event will be focused in the side of Lake Poso which is located in Tentena, North Pamona Distric, Poso Regency, Central Sulawesi. It will be held for three days starting from October 25 until October 27," he said to Tempo on October 24.
A series of activities such as tourism ambassadors election, art and culture attraction, folk pop competition, and traditional sports will be packed up for the visitors to enjoy.
According to Putera, Poso Lake is the third largest lake in Indonesia, having 32 kilometers length, 16 kilometers width, and 1,500 meters depth. The lake is situated on 657 meters height.
Lake Poso is also one of the most beautiful lakes in the world. It is well known for its clear and white sand that spread from its lakeside to the bottom. Mystical stones that exist in the lake side such as Watu Pangasa Angga and Watu Yano became unique tourist attractions.
In the forest surrounding the lake, there are Saluopa and Kandela waterfall located in Tindoli Village. And don't forget the Watu Makilo, monument of hundreds or even thousands of skulls and coffins with Tadulako University logo on it, which can be seen in Desa Bo'e and Watu Mora'a, or Branched Stone.
Putera is hoping that the festival will become a promotional means to surface Poso's potential towards worldwide tourists and travelers.
AMAR BURASE