Babel to host Malay, Islamic festival

PANGKALPINANG, Babel: Bangka-Belitung (Babel) province will host the Malay and Islamic World Festival from Dec. 13 to Dec. 17, an official said.

"We should take advantage of the upcoming festival to promote Babel's potential," the head of the provincial tourism office, Sofyan Rebuin, said here on Monday.

China, Malaysia, Singapore, Taiwan and Thailand are among the 10 countries that will take part in the event.

Discussions on Malay culture will be high on the event's agenda, Sofyan said.

He also said the event should be used by local entrepreneurs to promote the province, which was established in 2000.

State Minister for Tourism and Culture I Gde Ardika will open the international festival, he said. -- Antara