Sales pitch for Yogyakarta

The unstable political situation is having an impact on tourism in Indonesia. The number of tourists visiting Indonesia has decreased by up to 60 percent. This sharp decline has apparently been caused by the recent riots occurring in several regions. Some foreign governments have even prohibited their nationals from visiting Indonesia for safety reasons.

However, to make a general conclusion that Indonesia is not safe for tourists is not true. There are some places that are safe for visitors, like Yogyakarta, for example. It has many things of cultural value to offer: Borobudur temple, Prambanan, Mendut and Kalasan, to mention but a few.

Why is Yogyakarta safe for visitors? One factor is the fact that Yogyakarta is a city of students, who prefer peace as a precondition for successful study. The other factor is that the region has a Sultan who is respected by the people. And the Sultan, in return, loves his people. Yogyakarta is known for its hospitality and its peaceful atmosphere. Ask anyone something about the city, and you can be sure to get a friendly answer, and in great detail if need be.

So if any potential tourist wishes to visit Yogyakarta, just go ahead, don't cancel. To know more about Yogyakarta needs more than just one visit.

DEDDY B. SIMANJUNTAK

Yogyakarta