JAKARTA, Feb. 24 (Xinhua) -- In coordination with regional governments, Indonesian tourism ministry scheduled a list of traditional festivals, sport tourism and other tourism activities throughout April and May this year as part of efforts in complying with targets set in the sector.
Indonesian Tourism Minister Arief Yahya said that parts of the 22 events scheduled during the two months was a major session to commemorate the two-century anniversary of Tambora volcano's devastating eruption.
The commemoration is scheduled in April.
The event, called Tambora Greets the World, would continue the ones held in the last two years in Indonesia's eastern region of West Nusa Tenggara province's Dompu regency.
It would be filled by cultural attractions and related events in the conservancy-planned site for domestic and international mountaineering.
"The event would also be part of 2017 Visit Lombok Sumbawa program," the minister said here on Friday.
Tambora eruption in April 1815 was regarded as the most devastating one in modern history of mankind.
The volcanic ash from Tambora eruption covered the hemisphere and blocked the sunshine, resulting in several parts of the world experiencing extreme climate change.
The minister said that in the nation's western region, sport tourism activities, comprised of 10K Marathon and cycling, have also been planned in Aceh province. Domestic and foreign athletes were expected to take part in the events scheduled in mid April.
In Aceh's nearby province of North Sumatra, provincial government has scheduled tourism events throughout the year called 2017 Horas Samosir Fiesta, featured with various festivals and international marathon championship around the Jurassic Lake Toba.
Elsewhere in central part of the nation, the ministry also scheduled Enchanting Tomini Bay week in early April. The event is expected to spoil divers during the best period to enjoy undersea scenery in Indonesia's award-winning Sulawesi waters.
Indonesia has been engaging its utmost to bolster the tourism sector since it has been declared as the nation's core business, replacing the previous oil and gas, coal and palm oil industry.
Through the coordinated efforts carried out by related ministries and agencies, Indonesia expects to par with countries in Southeast Asia region in tapping benefits from tourism sector to propel their economies.
Indonesia saw increasing foreign visitor arrivals in the last few years with more than 12 million recorded last year. The nation has set targets to see 15 million ones this year and 20 million ones by 2019 respectively.
