More tourists in West Sumatra

PADANG, West Sumatra: Reports of social unrest across the country have not stopped tourists from visiting West Sumatra.

"Basically, West Sumatra is the second safest province in the country after Bali. So people can freely visit the area," said provincial police spokesman Comr. L. Simalango.

Head of the tourism office in West Sumatra Zulkarmin said last year more than 70,000 tourists visited the province, which is a 20 percent hike from the 58,000 tourists recorded in 1999.

"Most of the visitors come to visit Mentawai island for its beautiful beaches which are good for water sports such as surfing," Zulkarmin said, adding that many foreign and domestic tourists visited Mentawai after visiting Bali and Lombok.(28/edt)