Festival is not extravagant

Festival is not extravagant

JAMBI, Jambi: Governor Abdurrahman Sayoeti said the millions of rupiah his administration is spending on cultural festivals is money well spent because it will promote the province as Indonesia's latest tourist destination.

"I feel sorry for those who regard the Jambi Cultural Charm Festivals here and abroad as a waste of funds," Sayoeti told Antara.

One festival is currently being held in the capital and will last until Friday.

The promotion campaign is an investment, the fruit of which the province will reap in later years, he said. "You don't see the benefit overnight," he said.

The central government in Jakarta has agreed to nominate Jambi as Indonesia's 21st Tourist Destination.

He added that the cultural festivals are also means to conserve and develop the local culture. (emb)