Bappenas: Penyengat Island Has Great Potential to Become a Historical-Cultural Area

Tanjungpinang (ANTARA) - Deputy for Regional Development of the Ministry of National Development Planning/Bappenas RI, Medrilzam, stated that Penyengat Island has great potential as a history- and culture-based area in Riau Islands Province (Kepri). “This island can be developed into a regional economic strength,” said Medrilzam during a visit to Penyengat Island, Tanjungpinang City, on Friday. During the visit, he was accompanied by Kepri Governor Ansar Ahmad and his entourage. The group rode electric motorised rickshaws to explore several historical sites, starting from the Tomb of Engku Puteri, the Tomb of Raja Ali Haji, to the Customary Hall of Penyengat Island. The Deputy also appreciated the Kepri Provincial Government’s steps in maintaining and preserving the historical area. Medrilzam said Bappenas would encourage further studies to strengthen the planning for the development of the Penyengat area in the future. According to him, the development of Penyengat Island must still preserve its originality and historical value. “We will encourage appropriate planning so that its economic benefits are felt, without eliminating the authentic value possessed by Penyengat,” he said. Penyengat Island, located across from the provincial capital of Kepri, is considered to have high historical value and great potential as a religious and cultural tourism destination. Ansar Ahmad said Penyengat Island is one of the centres of Malay civilisation that must continue to be protected. “Penyengat Island is a great legacy of Malay civilisation. We have a responsibility to protect and care for it,” said Ansar. He emphasised that the Kepri Provincial Government will continue to promote the sustainable development of this area. The provincial government also hopes for support from the central government through Bappenas so that the development of Penyengat can be integrated, both in terms of infrastructure and cultural preservation. “We also request central support to build a Museum and Language Monument in Penyengat so that this area becomes even more attractive to domestic and international tourists,” Ansar concluded.