REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, BIAK -- A total of 150 policemen, supported by military personnel, will be deployed to ensure security and public order during the Biak Munara wampasi (BMW) cultural festival in Biak Numfor district from July 1 to 4, 2016.
Biak Police spokesman Commissioner Fauzan remarked here on Tuesday that the police personnel will be deployed at the location where the festival will take place.
"Maintaining a conducive security situation and public order will create a sense of safety among all citizens of Biak and the foreign tourists who come to witness the BMW cultural festival," Fauzan remarked.
The four-day festival will be enlivened by activities, such as a traditional fishing contest at Numfor Island, Padaido Island tour, an exhibition of cultural relics of World War II, Mansusui and Wairon customary traditional boat race, and the cultural attraction of walking on hot stones, also known "apen byaren."
The BMW Cultural Festival, which will showcase Japanese traditional "katana" samurai swords from World War II, also aims to attract foreign tourists to visit the island of Padaido in Biak Numfor District.
He expressed hope that the festival will help boost Padaido island tourism, the local economy, and will especially benefit the traders and small and micro businesses.
According to him, the local authorities continue to develop marine tourism in the islands of Padaido and Aimando by improving various supporting facilities and infrastructure, such as homestays, roads, seaport, and streetlights.