REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, PALEMBANG -- The 25th Sriwijaja Festival held here, from July 18 to 24, 2016, is expected to promote the tourism of Musi River, one of Indonesia's longest rivers.

The festival's venue had 750 km-long as its background to attract visitors, Head of the South Sumatra Cultural and Tourism Office Camelyn Sinaga said, here, Sunday.

Visitors could enjoy the panorama of Musi River while attending the festival, she said.

Officially opened by South Sumatra Governor Alex Noerdin, on July 18, the event was highlighted with various activities such as traditional dance performances, traditional theaters, and a photo contest.

People belonging to several races and ethnicities, such as Malay, Javanese, Chinese, Arab, and Indian descends, live along and around the river, which divides Palembang into northern and southern parts.

Their traditions and arts have enriched the culture of Palembang, which is one of the oldest cities in Indonesia, and in the past, was the capital of the powerful Sriwijaya Kingdom during the period between 670 and 1375.

The northern and southern parts of the city are connected by the Ampera Bridge, which has become the most popular icon of Palembang.

The administration of Palembang plans to develop the Musi River tourism on the similar lines as Thailand's Chao Phraya River, or even transforming it into "the Venice of Indonesia."

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