French Ambassador Impressed by Nias Megalithic Sites
The Governor of North Sumatra, Muhammad Bobby Afif Nasution, invited the French Ambassador to Indonesia, Fabien Penone, to visit two historical megalithic sites in the South Nias (Nisel) Regency: Bawomataluo and Tetegewo.
The visit provided an opportunity to present the rich history, culture, and tourism potential of the Nias Islands to the international community.
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The megalithic site of Bawomataluo is estimated to be about 300 years old, while that of Tetegewo is estimated to be about 5,000 years old. The unique features of both sites, combined with the rich culture of the people of Nias, made a great impression on the French Ambassador.
“It is extraordinary. After seeing it, I find it very interesting, and I think we can strengthen cooperation in the field of tourism because it is very interesting, especially for scientists, particularly because we are collaborating with a university in Medan,” said Fabien Penone after a visit to the megalithic site of Bawomataluo.
Bobby Nasution explained that his meeting with the French ambassador was originally scheduled in Medan. However, because Fabien Penone is currently working on the Nias Islands, he wanted to personally visit the various megalithic sites the region has to offer.
“Initially, we wanted to meet in Medan, but we were working on Nias. After we showed him the beauty of Nias, the cultural traditions, and the sites of Tetegewo and Bawomataluo, he was very interested and came here,” said Bobby Nasution, accompanied by Kahiyang Ayu, head of the North Sumatran Family Welfare Movement (TP PKK).
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Bobby hopes that the visit of the French ambassador will lead to an increase in the number of foreign tourists, particularly from France, to the Nias Islands. He believes this aligns with the increasingly close cooperation between Indonesia and France in various fields, including culture.
“We certainly hope that the number of foreign tourists, particularly from France, will increase after this visit, especially now that Indonesia and France are strengthening their cooperation, including in the cultural sector,” said Bobby Nasution.
During their stay in Bawomataluo, Bobby Nasution and Fabien Penone were welcomed with traditional dances and a traditional procession, typical of South Nias. They also attended a war dance, learned about the history of the village of Bawomataluo, and participated in the tradition of stone jumping, a cultural icon of the Nias people.
The visit marked Bobby Nasution’s third day on the Nias Islands. Afterwards, an inspection of a care home and various roads in the South Nias and West Nias regencies was on the program. ***rel
