The East Kutai Government inaugurated Batu Aji Ilas Beukir as a new tourist destination, developed by the local community with funds from local revenue.
Heaptalk, Jakarta — East Kutai has a new tourist destination, namely Batu Aji Ilas Beukir, which is located in Tepian Langsat Village, Bengalon District. The destination was inaugurated by the Expert Staff for Inter-Institutional Relations, Ministry of Villages, Development of Disadvantaged Regions and Transmigration (Kemendes PDTT), Samsul Widodo (05/25).
Representing the East Kutai Regent, the Head of the East Kutai Tourism Department, Nurullah, appreciated the innovations made by Tepian Langsat Village. He expected that the presence of this destination would be able to move the wheels of the economy for the local community.
“Hopefully it can become one of the tourism icons that will attract tourists to visit Tepian Langsat,” said Nurullah.
Meanwhile, the Head of Tepian Langsat Village, Zeky Hamzah, said that the opening of Batu Aji as a tourist destination started from the solidarity of all the figures in Tepian Langsat. The entire budget was sourced from local revenue (PADes).
“This was the livelihood area for the people of Tepian Langsat when the yields were still abundant. The custom of the Kutai people in Tepian Langsat is after collecting money, then they go to perform the pilgrimage. The rest is used for living expenses. Therefore, this place is named Batu Aji,” explained Zeky.
Further, Zeky hopes that the inauguration of Batu Aji Ilas Beukir as a new tourist destination in East Kutai can encourage people to directly conserve forests and protect nature. This is important since forests have a great influence on the needs of many people’s lives. “By making this area a tourism destination, it can advance the village economy and other sectors,” concluded Zeky.