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)