Ombilin Mine is Expected to be UNESCO Cultural Heritage

id Ombilin Mine is Expected to be UNESCO Cultural Heritage

Ombilin Mine is Expected to be UNESCO Cultural Heritage

UNESCO.

Padang, (Antara Sumbar) - Head of West Sumatra Culture Agency, Taufik Effendi expects the coal mine Ombilin Sawahlunto to become one of UNESCO's cultural heritages in the province, because it is considered to have a positive effect for the region.

"We have already proposed the document and now in process at Directorate General of Culture Ministry of Education and Culture," he said in Padang on Thursday.

He said the documents submitted were actually complete. However, for the proposal to be accepted needs further strengthening, especially related to railway activation from Sawahlunto to Teluk Bayur.

According to the history of trains in West Sumatra began because of the discovery of coal potential in Sawahlunto. The rail was built to bring the proceeds to the port of Teluk Bayur which was then named Emmahaven.

In the development of the rail, it developed to Bukittinggi and Payakumbuh, partly to Pariaman and some continue to Sijunjung.

"The activation of the historical railway line can strengthen our proposal to UNESCO," he said.

In addition to railway activation, there is also need for locomotives and trains that operate to further strengthen the value of existing cultural heritage.

Taufik said the two things are currently still constrained. The activation of the railway from Padang to Sawahlunto is constrained in Anai Valley whose natural condition is so extreme that it can not be passed by regular train locomotive.

The budget for railway activation in West Sumatra is Rp2 trillion and it has been transferred to the Light Rail Transit (LRT) project on the Jakarta-Bogor-Depok-Bekasi route.

However, Taufik still hopes the Ombilin coal mine remains a UNESCO cultural heritage.

According to him, if it was realized, it could be one form of regional promotion in the international world until the expected tourist visits can increase.

"Economically, it would be good if many visitors come," he said.

In addition, if disaster damage occurs to the cultural heritage, UNESCO will provide protection and assistance for rehabilitation.

However, UNESCO obliges the region to preserve established cultural heritage. There are sanctions if they are not enforced. (cha)

Editor: Vicha Faradika