Painan (ANTARA) -
The Government of Pesisir Selatan Regency, W Sumatra plans to explore the history of the Dutch MV Boeloengan that sank in the waters of Mandeh Integrated Tourism Area (KWBT) Mandeh to further popularize the tourist area.
"History records the MV Boeloengan sinking in Mandeh waters after being bombarded by Japanese troops in the era of World War II around 1942," Regent of Pesisir Selatan, Hendrajoni said in Painan on Wednesday.
He added the plan to explore the history of the sinking of the MV Boeloengan would involve communities residing in the Mandeh area to historians and researchers in Indonesia.
"If needed and for complete data we will ask that the central government intervene in this project," he added.
By interfering with the central government, he hopes that not only domestic historians and researchers will be involved, but also abroad so that the results will be more comprehensive and more interesting.
He revealed the wreck was only at a depth of about 20 to 25 meters, so that novice dives would have no difficulty enjoying it.
Based on identification from the Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries the ship is known to have a width of 11 meters in the middle, aft width of 13 meters, a bow width of 10 meters, height of eight meters and a length of 74 meters.
The ship was designed in 1915 as a 72.6 meter diesel-engined transport ship.
Aside from being adapted to its design, this ship is also often used by Dutch colonial officials to visit the Bulungan Sultanate in East Kalimantan.
"With the completion of the excavation of the detailed history of the sinking of the MV Boeloengan, we believe it will strengthen efforts to popularize the Mandeh region," he said.
He believes that history will be an attraction in addition to the Mandeh region which also has a maritime beauty that cannot be denied starting from the calm waters, white sand to beautiful islands. (*)
Baca juga: Pesisir Selatan gali sejarah Kapal Boeloengan milik Belanda yang tenggelam di perairan Mandeh
Baca juga: Lima pelajar Lengayang Pesisir Selatan Ikuti lomba Sains Madrasah tingkat Sumbar
Editor: Mutiara Ramadhani
Translated by: Internship Student of ANTARA 2019
Pesisir Selatan explores the history of the Dutch Boeloengan Ship which sank in the waters of Mandeh
Tourists take pictures in floating homes marking the location of the Dutch MV Boeloengan which sank in the waters of the Mandeh Integrated Marine Tourism Area (KWBT). Antara W Sumatera
