Number of tourists rises in Maluku

Number of tourists rises in Maluku

AMBON, Maluku: The security condition in Maluku province has improved after an end to sectarian fighting, resulting in an increase in the number of domestic and foreign visitors over the past few months, an official said on Friday.

Head of the Ambon immigration office Wiryono said at least 148 foreigners visited the once war-torn city during the May-June period.

The figure shows an increase in the number of foreign visitors to the province compared to the previous months, he said.

Civil emergency authorities had restricted the visits of foreigners during the conflict.

Wiryono did not provide the actual number of visitors in the previous months for comparison.

Most of the visitors were involved in humanitarian missions for monitoring the end to the three-year religious conflict, he said.

"Some are here on business and others for family gatherings," Wiryono said. -- JP