KONTAN.CO.ID - Light Rail Transit network (LRT), currently being constructed in Palembang, will enable tourists to enjoy the various attractions in Palembang.

South Sumatra Governor Alex Noerdin has said that public, in general, and tourists, in particular, would be able to take the electric train to view the panorama of Palembang. The railway's route will include several tourist attractions, such as historical sites and nature scenery.

The LRT will start from Sultan Mahmud Badaruddin II International Airport and pass through Sultan Mahmud Badaruddin Grand Mosque, Ampera Bridge, and along Musi River. The train's final stop will be near a modern market in Palembang.

He is optimistic that the LRT construction will be completed as scheduled, namely before the implementation of the Asian Games 2018, which will be co-hosted by Palembang and Jakarta.

Palembang, which is currently developing river tourism, will also have five water buses to be available for foreign athletes and officials participating in the 18th Asian Games.

Transportation Minister Budi Karya Sumadi promised to provide the water buses, according to Palembang Mayor Harnojoyo said. The water buses will operate in Musi River and pass through Kuto Besak Fortress and traditional and cultural kampongs such as Kapitan and Al Munawar kampongs.

The Palembang administration will build an inter-mode stop where passengers could change their transportation modes from LRT into water bus or vice versa.

Palembang is one of the oldest cities in Indonesia. It offers various tourist attractions, such as religious tourism, historical tourism, scenic nature, culinary, and unique culture.

This year, Palembang has set a target of attracting 1.2 million domestic tourists and 12 thousand foreign tourists.

Last year, the city was visited by some 900 thousand domestic tourists and 9 thousand foreign tourists

Editor: Rizki Caturini