SURABAYA (ILO News): The International Labour Organization (ILO) supports the launch of the first Bromo Agrofestival to be held in Nongkojajar, Pasuruan District, East Java, from May 30 to June 7, 2009. This festival promotes local produce and offers an opportunity for local communities to promote their region and its tourism facilities – including the Bromo-Semeru-Tengger National Park.

The initiative of the festival comes from the Local Economic Development (LED) forum of Tutur in Pasuruan, which was formalized with the support of the ILO through its JOY (Job Opportunities for Youth) program. JOY promotes LED as an alternative development approach through enhanced governance mechanisms involving government and the private sector as well as through the identification of territorial diagnosis and competitive advantages. It is hoped the festival will help develop synergies for trade and inward investment in agribusiness and tourism.

During the event, to be held at the newly opened Bhakti Alam Farm, visitors will be able to see the abundance of fresh dairy products, cut flowers or fruits and vegetables produced by the region and to enjoy the entertainment provided. The event will have a nuance of folk and traditional culture. Home stay owners will offer visitors a choice of accommodation and an opportunity to visit the beautiful scenery of a region which is yet to develop its full tourism potential.

The festival will be inaugurated by Mr Soekarwo, Governor of East Java, Mr Alan Boulton, Country Director of the ILO in Indonesia and representatives from the Pasuruan districts.

For further information please contact:

Matthieu Cognac
LED Specialist
Tel. +6221 3913112 ext. 154
Email

Janti Gunawan
Local Project Officer
Tel. +6231 5356363
Email

Gita Lingga
Media Relations Officer
Tel. +6221 3913112 ext. 115
Email