VOI - Voice of Indonesia | RRI - Radio Republik Indonesia

In an effort to develop areas surrounding Suramadu Bridge, East Java provincial government has announced plan to build an integrated Islamic area called Islamic Science Park at the foot of the bridge.

“The park requires 101 hectares of land in which 20 percent of the plot of land will be developed for educational purposes, 30 percent for art purposes, and 50 percent for entertainment purposes,” East Java  Governor Khofifah Indar Parawansa said in a Coordinating Meeting on the Suramadu Area Development Agency (BPWS) at the office of the Coordinating Ministry for the Economy, Jakarta, Tuesday (14/5).

The park – which is set to be Indonesia’s first Islamic theme park – will be developed by East Java provincial government in collaboration with the developer of Jatim Park, one of the most famous theme parks in the province.

A center for halal food and an augmented reality museum which portrays the story of Wali Songo or nine propagators of Islam in Java will also be built inside the park.

“We will also develop a kris (traditional Javanese dagger) village and batik village which can represent cultural heritage of Madura to the world. We hope Indonesia in general and Madura in particular can become an international tourist destination for Muslim travellers,” Khofifah said, adding that the Maduranese community can welcome new industries in the region as long as it will strengthen Madura’s image as a religious region.

The Governor went on to say that the island of Madura is not only known as a salt producer, but also has large sugar plantations. However, sugar factories have yet to be built in that region. Thus, the Governor expressed hope that the factories will be built immediately.

“I have met with a number of prominent figures in Madura who have recommended me to develop sugar cane factories,” she said.

Coordinating Minister for the Economy Darmin Nasution and Minister of Public Works and Public Housing Basuki Hadimuljono have approved to the plan to build the park and sugar cane factories as concrete efforts to develop areas surrounding the Suramadu Bridge.

Nevertheless, East Java Governor has been asked to propose regents and/or heads of local office in the province to join the BPWS. Darmin also suggested involving ulema (Islamic leaders) and prominent figures in Madura as BPWS’s Board of Advisors. (Coordinating Ministry for the Economy PR/ES)