TEMPO.CO, Pekabnaru - The Tourism Ministry urged Riau province officials to introduce the Bono wave as a world-class tourist destination. Riau was instructed to focus on preparing its infrastructure and the region's ecotourism to support the unique phenomenon that occurs only in the waters of Kampar River at Meranti Bay, Pelalawan.

"The [Tourism] Minister, Arief Yahya, is optimistic that it isn't too late for Riau to develop its tourism sector. The Minister recommended the that Bono wave to be introduced as [an international] tourist destination," said Riau Governor Arsyadjuliandi "Andi" Rachman on Friday, February 3, 2017.

Minister Yahya, according to Andi, is certain that the Bono wave is on-par with other internationally acclaimed tourist destinations. The wave could travel as far as 40 kilometers and can reach the height of six meters.

The Bono wave is currently attracting international surfers, who consider surfing through the long river as a unique challenge. According to Andi, every province must have at least one world-class tourist destination.

"North Sumatera has established Lake Toba, which is the world's largest volcanic lake, Yogyakarta has Borobudur [temple], West Sumatera considered Mandeh as Sumatera's Raja Ampat, and finally Riau with its Bono wave," Andi said.

RYAN NOFITRA