Total solar eclipse in Indonesia to attract thousands of tourists

The local people as well as thousands of tourists will have an opportunity to watch the much awaited phenomenon of total solar eclipse forecast to occur on March 9 in several Indonesian provinces, but is predicted to last longer in the province of Central Sulawesi.

People in some areas in Indonesia such as Halmahera, Palangkaraya, Sampit, Balikpapan, Bangka, Belitung, and Palembang on March 9 will have the rare opportunity to witness the total solar eclipse, but it will last longer in Central Sulawesi.

Central Sulawesi Governor Longki Djanggola remarked in the provincial capital of Palu that the local government officials and the residents have been ready to welcome, to serve, and to protect foreign tourists visiting the province to witness this rare but very interesting natural phenomenon.He said that besides foreign tourists, observers from Indonesian Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency (BMKG), South Korea, and Jakarta Amateur Astronomy Association will come to Central Sulawesi to observe the total solar eclipse.

“Therefore, we have designed and prepared a number of performing arts and cultural activities to entertain the visitors,” Governor Djanggola affirmed.

Around three thousand tourists from 12 countries have confirmed their visit to the province to witness the solar eclipse, the head of the Central Sulawesi Tourism Office, Siti Norma Mardjanu, stated.

The local administration will conduct promotional activities regarding the total solar eclipse at numerous international airports in Indonesia, she noted.

The promotional activities highlighting the total solar eclipse will be carried out at the international airports in Medan, Jakarta, Surabaya, and Makassar, Mardjanu remarked.

The promotion will not only spread awareness about the total solar eclipse but will also promote the tourism potential of Central Sulawesi, according to her.

Currently, approximately 3,000 hotel rooms have been booked by foreign tourists, who want to witness the rare phenomenon in Palu, Luwuk, Ampana, and Poso.

The total solar eclipse is expected to attract thousands of tourists, and therefore, it will motivate the local administration to develop its local tourism potential.

A solar eclipse occurs when the moon passes between the earth and Sun. A total solar eclipse occurs when the moons apparent diameter is larger than the suns, blocking all direct sunlight, turning day into darkness.