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March 17, 2025 | 01:45 pm
TEMPO.CO, Bandung - The Department of Culture and Tourism of the Bandung Regency recently visited astronomy researchers at the Samaun Samadikun Science and Technology Area of the National Innovation Research Agency (BRIN), Bandung. The visit was to explore astrotourism.
The Head of the Department of Culture and Tourism of the Bandung Regency, Muhamad Sofiyurahman, stated that Bandung Regency has the potential to enhance the tourism sector both during the day and at night.
During the meeting, the department hoped to gain a different perspective from the research side that could enhance the tourism industry in the Bandung Regency. They wanted to develop the tourism sector without destroying the environment. Alongside astrophotography enthusiasts, Sofiyurahman mentioned that the department would explore the visual aesthetics of the night sky in the Bandung Regency, such as capturing the image of the Milky Way galaxy.
Sustainable Tourism
Astrotourism, besides its educational value and artistic photography, according to Sofiyurahman, is expected to support sustainable tourism without adding light pollution in the Bandung Regency. "Considering that light pollution has become one of the fastest growing environmental problems due to excessive, misdirected, and inefficient use of artificial light," he said in a written statement on Friday, March 14, 2025.
According to representatives from the Center for Excellence in Data Science, Astronomy, and Light Pollution at the Indonesian University of Education, Judhistira Aria Utama and Fitri Rahmafitria, Bandung Rergency could serve as a case study for dark sky parks. "There are still areas with minimal lighting," he said. Astrotourism can enrich the knowledge and educational value of tourists with a lot of information.
Principal Researcher at the Space Research Center of BRIN, Thomas Djamaluddin, stated that their agency has astronomy research to support astrotourism in the Regency of Bandung. He believes astronomy tourism aligns with BRIN's research, which is astronomy for the public. "The region could develop plans to build dark sky parks, making it a distinctive and essential tourist attraction that must be preserved for future generations to enjoy," said Thomas.
Meanwhile, the Head of the Space Research Center of BRIN, Emanuel Sungging Mumpuni, stated that the International Dark Sky Association could certify astrotourism. Support from local governments and communities to prevent light pollution is necessary for astrotourism development.
BRIN plans to support the upcoming astrotourism event in August as part of the activities to commemorate Space Day. Besides campaigning to prevent and reduce light pollution, other activities include observing the Milky Way galaxy in the sky.
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