A slum area on Indonesia's Java Island has become an unlikely tourist
attraction, as well as a social media hit, after its homes were painted vivid
colors to transform the
district into what is now being called "Kampung
Pelangi" ("Rainbow Village").
The poor hill-side area received a month-long facelift costing 300
million rupiah ($22,500) and paid for by the local government in a bid to
rejuvenate this part of Semarang, a town 450 km (280 miles) east of the capital
Jakarta.
Visitors have been flocking to the village to take photographs and pose
for "selfies" next to the brightly colored homes.
"It's because of the unique look of the village. We know this area
used to be a slum district but now it looks so beautiful after the colorful
makeover. I used to pass this area without any interest but now the colors
change everything," said one visitor, Nihayatun Naqiyah.
The multi-colored paint job for the village is the brainchild of Slamet
Widodo, a 54-year-old high-school teacher.
"In the future it will bring benefits to our community, especially
economic empowerment. The project will be supported by the activity and
creativity (of the people) in the village so the local community has a sense of
belonging," said Widodo, who was inspired by similar projects in other
parts Indonesia.
Residents already say their livelihoods have improved since the makeover,
as they can now give tours and sell souvenirs.
"Obviously this condition is very influential, before we were only
the residents of what I can say was a quiet village but now we can call it a
dynamic village, because women are empowered and are able to increase their
family's income," resident Amanah Suyitno said.
REUTERS*
0 Comments