REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, JAKARTA -- The Tourism Ministry has said UNESCO has included the Jakarta Old Town area in its world heritage list nominations.

Tourism Minister Arief Yahya stated here on Tuesday (Feb 3) that the ministry will support the Jakarta Old Town area to be approved as a world heritage site by the international organization.

"We will promote the Old Town as the primary tourism destination in Jakarta and carry out the groundbreaking ceremony of an Art Exhibition Building as part of the Quick Wins program of President Joko Widodo-Jusuf Kalla," Arief noted.

The Ministry has accorded Jakarta Old Town the primary attraction site status through Minister Decree KM.02/PW.202/PM/2014.

"The effort indicates our preparation of Jakarta Old Town to emerge as a UNESCO World Heritage Site," the Minister added.

Arief remarked that the current trend among tourists is to look for new experiences and gain more knowledge and mental satisfaction.

"We hope in the Jakarta Old Town site, tourists get the experience they are searching for," Arief pointed out.

According to the Minister, Jakarta Old Town has unique historical values that reflect in the surrounding architectural structures.

Tourists can also enjoy the maritime glory of the Portuguese and Dutch colonial periods, which had turned Jakarta into a trade center in Nusantara.

"We hope that in Jakarta Old Town, tourists get the experience they are seeking. We should preserve and fill the area with arts and cultural attractions, for instance, in Fatahillah Park, architectural buildings, cafes and restaurants, and other public places, and enliven the old atmosphere in a contemporary setting," Arief added.

International tourists are attracted to the Old Town as it offers them comfort and a beautiful, secure, and attractive place that fulfills their different objectives.

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