Ferry service explored

KUPANG, East Nusa Tenggara: The provincial administration and that of Australia's Northern Territory are exploring the possibility of opening a ferry service between Kupang and Darwin to boost tourism and trade relations between the regions.

The head of the provincial office of tourism, Johannis Pake Pani, was quoted by Antara as saying that a delegation from Australia will visit next month to survey local conditions for the ferry service. He did not elaborate.

Indonesia's Ministry of Transportation had once expressed interest in opening a ferry service between Kupang and Darwin, but no further word on the matter had been received from Jakarta, he added.

Pake Pani said businessmen of the Australian state had also expressed interest in building tourist accommodations in certain parts of East Nusa Tenggara.