Buffalo stroke entertains tourists

BANJARMASIN, South Kalimantan: Tourism officials in this province now know how to make the ubiquitous swamps and buffalo a bit more useful.

They herd tourists, foreign and local, to swamps to see a peculiar buffalo swimming race.

Hulu Sungai Utara regent Suhailin Muchtar proudly said yesterday the race has turned out to be effective and he means to make it one of the regency's main attractions.

"They (tourists) like it because it is unique," the regent told Antara.

The local government plans to build the swimming pools for the big black "athletes" to promote the new attraction.

In the current 1996/1997 fiscal year, the administration has set aside Rp 381 million (US$162,000) to build a pool where the beasts can make money for the government. (pan)