Tourism Minister Praises Historical Value of Bukittinggi and the Jam Gadang Clock Tower

Bukittinggi - Tourism Minister Widiyanti Putri Wardhana has praised the city of Bukittinggi and the Jam Gadang monument for their historical value from the past, making them a central attraction in West Sumatra.

“From a historical perspective, this is very good. Bukittinggi was once the national capital. The Jam Gadang is also turning 100 years old since its construction in 1926,” she said during her visit to Bukittinggi on Wednesday.

On that occasion, she personally inspected the condition of the Jam Gadang building, which was designed during the Dutch, Japanese eras, and updated after independence.

“The latest design features the distinctive Minangkabau gonjong roof, which is very appealing. We have been invited to attend the peak event for the 100th anniversary of Jam Gadang in June,” she said.

During her working visit, the Minister emphasised her support for promoting tourist destinations in Bukittinggi and throughout West Sumatra.

“We certainly support this very much. Bukittinggi’s tourism is highly iconic. So we came to hear from the local government what support is needed for the destinations to boost tourism,” she said.

According to her, support will be provided starting from investments, basic infrastructure, and organising promotional events and tour packages.

“We want to create travel patterns and tour packages that we can sell at international expos. If there is a regional budget for participation, we are also awaiting that to join us at international expos,” Widiyanti said.

Bukittinggi Mayor Ramlan Nurmatias warmly welcomed the Minister’s first visit, viewing it as a strategic momentum to strengthen Bukittinggi’s position as a world-class historical tourism destination.

“Thank you to the Minister for providing full support for various tourism activities in Bukittinggi, including preparations for the ‘One Century of Jam Gadang’ event. We have outlined our grand vision to introduce Bukittinggi’s historical richness to the international stage,” Ramlan said.

The Minister’s visit was also accompanied by House of Representatives member Irman Gusman and West Sumatra Governor Mahyeldi Ansharullah.