NTT appeals for support for new wonder

Yemris Fointuna, The Jakarta Post, Kupang | Thu, 04/02/2009 3:16 PM

The East Nusa Tenggara provincial administration has called on the international community to support its bid to include the Komodo National Park in West Manggarai as one of the new seven wonders of the world.

East Nusa Tenggara Governor Frans Leburaya raised the matter in Kupang on Wednesday in response to the polling results released by the www.new7wonder.com website, which showed Komodo National Park had dropped from 12th to 15th in the third week of March.

"The drop to 15th place shows the struggle is still on to prove that Komodo National Park, which is rich in natural resources and home to the rare Komodo dragon, should be recognized as one of the new seven wonders of the world," said Leburaya.

Those wishing to support the national park can do so via the website.

"We need to coordinate with groups that can potentially offer support for our cause, such as schools, universities, businesses and stakeholders in tourism, be it through direct campaigns or pamphlets promoting the national park," said Leburaya.

The poll results, he said, would determine whether or not the judges will select Komodo National Park as one of the new wonders of the world.

"Last year, Borobudur Temple failed to be included as a world wonder due to the lack of support from both Indonesian and international communities," said Leburaya.

Most of East Nusa Tenggara, he said, contained huge amounts of tourist potential.

"The Komodo National Park and Kelimutu Lake, in terms of natural resources and rich environments, are second to none. The province also has vast marine tourism potential given the fact its sea area is four times that of its land area," he said.

Another unique cultural experience available in the area is the whale-hunting tradition of the Lamalera community in Flores.