Tourism and Creative Economy Minister Sandiaga Salahuddin Uno visited the historical tourism destination of the Diesel Power Plant (PLTD) Ship Apung I, a ship that was washed inland by the tsunami on December 26, 2004.
“Last time, I went here was in March 2005 – several months after the tsunami. It has been almost 17 years, and now, the ship has been turned into a museum. I laud the attempt, as it can be an educational tourism site,” the minister noted while visiting the tourism destination here on Tuesday.
The 2,600-ton power plant ship was operated by the state-owned electricity provider PT PLN (Persero). When the disaster occurred, it was swept by a huge wave about two kilometers (kms) from the Ulee Lheuh Port.
The minister reviewed the condition of the museum while being heedful to the explanation on the ship and the story of a survivor.
Uno assessed that the museum can potentially be developed in future as a history-based or knowledge-based tourism site.
“Education regarding the natural disaster is required to provide us an understanding of the mitigation attempt,” he emphasized.
In addition, Uno encouraged the millennials to organize various activities to promote the museum in a bid to increase its popularity.
“We should improve facilities at the museum, for instance, repairing the worn road and revitalize the fountain,” he stated.
During the visit, the minister was accompanied by Head of the Aceh Provincial Culture and Tourism Office Jamaluddin, Head of Aceh Besar District Mawardi Ali, ministry’s officials, Banda Aceh city government’s officials, as well as local sub-district and village officials.
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