Mt. Bromo a tourist favorite

SURABAYA: Mt. Bromo, the scenic volcano situated in Probolinggo regency, some 150 kilometers east of here, remains the most popular tourist destination in East Java.

The director of provincial tourism, Sardjono, said on Monday more tourists, both domestic and foreign, were expected to visit the volcano now that the security situation in the country had improved.

Mt. Bromo, known for its active crater and the breathtaking sunrise view it offers visitors, is among 235 tourist destinations in the province.

East Java had its best tourism year, in terms of revenue, in 1996, when some 122,000 foreigners and 19 million domestic travelers visited the province.

In a bid to help the tourist sector rebound, the provincial administration plans to host a dance performance titled Panji Pahlawan Nusantara (Hero of the Archipelago) at the Candra Wilwatikta Park in Pandaan, some 50 kilometers south of Surabaya, on Saturday. The performance will feature the work of American choreographer Elizabeth Karen, who lives in Malang. -- JP