The move happened based on the high interest of voters within 28 days, head of the promotion section at East Nusa Tenggara Provincial Culture and Tourism Office, Ubaldus Gogi, said here Tuesday.
"The New 7 Wonder Foundation reported that this week`s criterion was based on the high level of voter`s interest measured within 28 days. The Komodo dragon ranked sixth in the last week of December," he said.
According to Ulbadus, his office continued to encourage people throughout the country to actively take part in giving votes in order to keep the Komodo between the first and seventh position.
"If we see progress from time to time, the position of the Komodo is always fluctuating, but with hard work and support from all parties in the country and abroad, we believe the dragon will qualify to be one of the seven wonders of the world," he said.
He added the East Nusa Tenggara administration has continued to promote Komodo and asked for supports from all parties since the giant lizard was announced on July 21, 2009, through the website of the New7 Wonders Foundation as the last ancient creature on the earth was decided as one of the 28 finalists after setting aside about 440 nominees from 220 countries.
Therefore, the local officials and people are optimistic that Komodo will qualify and go to the one of the seven wonders of the world because the dragon is believed to be the last ancient creature on the earth found only in East Nusa Tenggara, Ulbadus said.
He also asked all the elements of society in the country not to see the dragon only belonging to the locals of East Nusa Tenggara but all the people throughout Indonesia as well.
"Governor of East Nusa Tenggara (Frans Lebu Raya-ed) always says that the dragon is the wealth of the nation and belongs to all of us and thus let`s give supports," Ulbadus said.
It means if the dragon could become one of the seven wonders of the world, the international community will see not only East Nusa Tenggara but also Indonesia, he added.(*)
Editor: Heru Purwanto
Copyright © ANTARA 2011
