TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Transportation Minister Budi Karya Sumadi has encouraged the development of tourist spots near the Makassar-Parepare railway tracks in South Sulawesi Province since they will serve both public and tourist trains.

"The tourist train could be the first of its kind to operate outside Java and Sumatra and the first in Sulawesi," the minister stated at a coordination meeting to evaluate progress in the development of the railway tracks in Makassar on Saturday.

Director General of Railway Lines at the Transportation Ministry Zulfikri said his side has coordinated with the South Sulawesi Tourism Office to gauge tourism potentials along the railway tracks as part of the efforts to develop the tourist train.

Secretary of the South Sulawesi Tourism Office Devo Khaddafi remarked that the office is currently collecting data on tourist or historical sites close to railway stations, such as the Rammang-rammang railway station in Maros.

He said the railway station is expected to be able to promote the welfare of people in the districts where the railway tracks pass through.

The railway station will not merely function as a place to pick up and drop passengers but also provide information on tourism sites and public activities.

He said his office has urged all district tourism offices to identify tourist spots or sites that are closest to the railway station to attract tourists.

ANTARA

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