Twin Tower, Petronas, Malaysia. Source: expedia.co.id The Petronas Towers, officially known as the Petronas Twin Towers, are among Kuala Lumpur's and Malaysia's most recognizable landmarks. These twin towers stand side by side, each soaring to a height of approximately 451.9 meters (1,483 feet) above ground level. The Petronas Towers rise to a height of 88 stories above ground level and extend 5 stories below ground level. They span an area of 395,000 square meters. Construction began in 1992 and was completed in 1998, with their official inauguration on August 31, 1999, coinciding with Malaysia's 42nd Independence Day. Tun Dr. Mahathir Mohamad, the Prime Minister at that time, presided over the inauguration, underscoring the towers' significance as symbols of Malaysia's progress in architecture and technology.  Tun Mahathir Mohamad, Prime Minister of Malaysia who officially inaugurated the twin towers. Source: malaysiaairlines.com From 1998 to 2004, the Petronas Twin Towers held the distinction of being the tallest buildings in the world before being surpassed by the Burj Khalifa and Taipei 101. They remain the tallest twin skyscrapers globally from the 20th century. Situated prominently in Kuala Lumpur's Kuala Lumpur City Center (KLCC) on Jalan Ampang, the towers are divided into two parts with distinct functions. Tower One houses the headquarters of Petroliam Nasional Berhad (Petronas), Malaysia's national oil and gas company, along with its subsidiaries. Tower Two is leased to various international companies spanning different sectors, such as media and technology, including Al-Jazeera and Microsoft. Meanwhile, there are fascinating aspects about the Petronas Towers that many people are unaware of. Here are some intriguing facts about the Petronas Tower: 1. Height: Upon its completion in 1998, the Petronas Tower became the tallest building in the world, surpassing Chicago's Sears Tower, with a structural height of approximately 451.9 meters (1,483 feet) from ground level to its pinnacle. While it has been surpassed by several other skyscrapers since, including the Burj Khalifa in Dubai, the Petronas Tower remains a visually stunning landmark in Malaysia and an unmistakable icon of the country. Comparison of the Petronas Towers and Other Tall Buildings in the world. Source: Eluetheromania 2. Architectural Design: Designed by the Argentine-American architectural firm Cesar Pelli & Associates, the Petronas Towers feature a distinctive postmodernist architectural style characterized by the use of steel and glass. The design draws inspiration from cultural and Islamic motifs, evident in its geometric shapes. 3. Connecting Bridge: Spanning between Petronas Towers 1 and 2 is the Skybridge, situated 170 meters above ground level. This Skybridge holds the distinction of being the highest two-story bridge in the world connecting two skyscrapers. The view from skybridge of Twin Tower. Source: klook.com 4. Engineering Excellence: The construction of the Petronas Towers incorporated advanced technology and techniques for its time. Moreover, the building prioritized safety and environmental sustainability by utilizing eco-friendly materials and enhancing energy efficiency. 5. Economic Impact: As an iconic landmark, the Petronas Towers have played a crucial role in attracting foreign investments to Malaysia, particularly in the tourism sector and local businesses, both domestically and internationally. 6. Global Recognition: Beyond being a symbol of Kuala Lumpur, the Petronas Towers have gained global recognition through their appearances in films, television, and other media. They often represent Kuala Lumpur in portrayals of modern urban landscapes worldwide. In summary, the Petronas Towers transcend their status as mere skyscrapers in Malaysia; they symbolize technological advancement, architectural magnificence, and national pride for the Malaysian nation as a whole. Read More:  Malaysia: An Affordable Travel Destination for All Budgets References:  https://choirexpress.co.id/id/blogs/sejarah-menara-kembar-petronas  https://p2k.stekom.ac.id/ensiklopedia/Menara_Kembar_Petronas   

source: https://kanebridgenewsme.com Saudi Arabia, traditionally known for its rich cultural heritage and religious significance, is poised to transform its tourism sector into a global powerhouse. Over the past few years, the Kingdom has embarked on an ambitious journey to diversify its economy, with tourism emerging as a key pillar of this vision.  With vast deserts, ancient historical sites, and pristine coastlines, Saudi Arabia offers a treasure trove of attractions waiting to be explored by international tourists. In an exceptional achievement, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has welcomed over 100 million tourists, a milestone celebrated by the World Tourism Organization (UN Tourism).  UN Tourism confirmed that The Kingdom's success story is built on a foundation of strategic initiatives and reforms that have propelled its tourism sector to new heights. With a staggering 390% increase in demand for tourism activity licenses in 2023 and the contribution of tourism to the non-oil GVA estimated to exceed 7%, Saudi Arabia's vision for the future is clear. With the tourism sector's direct contribution to the GDP estimated to exceed  4 %, the country has showcased its resilience, innovation, and commitment to excellence. Minister of Tourism Ahmed Al-Khateeb. Source: Xinhua The Kingdom's tourism sector has witnessed remarkable growth thanks to several strategic initiatives. One of the pivotal moments was the launch of Vision 2030, a comprehensive plan aimed at reducing Saudi Arabia's dependence on oil and fostering a more diverse economy. Central to this vision is the development of tourism, which is expected to contribute significantly to the country's GDP. Recent developments include the introduction of tourist visas, easing travel restrictions, and enhancing infrastructure. These reforms have already started yielding results, with an influx of tourists eager to experience Saudi Arabia's unique blend of tradition and modernity. Saudi Arabia is also making significant strides in enhancing its cultural and entertainment offerings. The reopening of cinemas, hosting international sporting events like the Formula E and Dakar Rally, and organizing cultural festivals have all contributed to a vibrant tourism ecosystem. These initiatives are part of a broader strategy to position Saudi Arabia as a top destination for leisure and entertainment in the region. Source: eltura travel Looking ahead, Saudi Arabia has ambitious plans to expand its portfolio of tourist attractions. One of the most anticipated projects is NEOM, a futuristic city on the Red Sea coast designed to be a hub for tourism, innovation, and sustainable living. NEOM promises a revolutionary experience with its cutting-edge infrastructure and commitment to eco-friendly practices. Read More:  Investment opportunities in NEOM project: The advanced city of Saudi Arabia Additionally, the Kingdom is investing heavily in preserving and promoting its cultural heritage. Efforts are underway to restore historical sites such as Diriyah, the birthplace of Saudi Arabia, and Al-Ula, home to the ancient Nabatean civilization. These endeavors aim not only to attract tourists but also to celebrate Saudi Arabia's rich history and cultural legacy. While the growth prospects for Saudi Arabia's tourism sector are promising, challenges remain. Infrastructure development, skilled workforce enhancement, and cultural sensitivities are key areas that require continuous attention and investment. Moreover, the COVID-19 pandemic has underscored the importance of resilience and adaptability in the tourism industry. However, with its strategic vision, abundant natural beauty, and rich cultural tapestry, Saudi Arabia is well-positioned to emerge as a global tourism powerhouse in the coming years. By leveraging its unique assets and embracing innovation, the Kingdom is set to offer unforgettable experiences to travelers from around the world. In conclusion, the future of Saudi Arabia's tourism industry is bright and full of potential. With ongoing investments in infrastructure, cultural preservation, and entertainment, the Kingdom is laying a strong foundation for sustainable growth and international acclaim. As the world eagerly awaits the unveiling of new attractions and experiences, Saudi Arabia stands ready to welcome visitors and showcase its unparalleled hospitality and heritage.   References : https://www.sta.gov.sa/en/news/expo-2030  https://www.unwto.org/news/un-tourism-applauds-saudi-arabia-s-historic-milestone-of-100-million-tourist-arrivals  https://www.oecd-ilibrary.org/sites/2d549bf0-en/index.html?itemId=/content/component/2d549bf0-en  https://www.nytimes.com/2024/06/05/travel/saudi-arabia-tourism.html   

President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) has started working at the New Capital City (IKN) in East Kalimantan. Jokowi is scheduled to host guests in the presidential office at IKN. Key Point: Jokowi and the influencers accompanying him on this trip inspected the development of the toll road at IKN via a motorbike procession President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) and his delegation have been engaged in activities in the New Capital City, East Kalimantan (Kaltim) starting from Sunday (July 28, 2024) Courtesy Source: Emir Yanwardhana "This morning, the President will receive guests/audiences and hold meetings in his office at the Presidential Office in IKN, similar to his daily activities while working at the Merdeka Palace in Jakarta," said M Yusuf Permana, Deputy for Protocol, Press, and Media of the Presidential Secretariat, to reporters on Monday (July 29, 2024). Read More: The Garuda Building, the Presidential Office at IKN, is completed Yusuf explained that Jokowi plans to meet with officials from the Nusantara Capital Authority (OIKN), along with State Secretary Pratikno and Public Works and Housing Minister Basuki Hadimuljono. Additionally, Jokowi is scheduled to meet with the East Kalimantan Forkompinda officials. Jokowi is expected to be in IKN until Wednesday (July 31, 2024). President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) and his entourage have been active in the New Capital City, East Kalimantan (Kaltim) since Sunday (July 28, 2024). Read More: Self-Driving Locomotives Crafted In China Primed For Introduction In IKN, Devoid of Traditional Rails and Eco-Conscious Jokowi and the influencers invited on this visit reviewed the progress of the toll road construction in IKN with a motorbike convoy. They also attended the inauguration of the Pulau Balang Bridge in Penajam Paser Utara Regency, inspected the development progress of the Presidential Palace at IKN, and concluded the visit with a dinner at the IKN glamping area. Courtesy Source: www.cnbcindonesia.com/news/20240729090454-4-558326/jokowi-mulai-berkantor-di-ikn-ini-agendanya Courtesy Source: https://m.tribunnews.com/nasional/2023/12/03/saat-dua-mahasiswa-curhat-susah-sinyal-di-ikn-nusantara-pak-jokowi-harus-tahu

The Ministry of Public Works and Public Housing (PUPR) has finally completed the construction of the Garuda Building, the President's Office at the Capital City of Nusantara (IKN), East Kalimantan. This milestone is marked by the installation of the 4,650th and final blade on the West Wing of the Garuda shroud. Key Point The Garuda statue at IKN is composed of 4,854 shroud blades, each weighing 0.3 tons, totaling a weight of 1,456 tons Minister of Public Works and Public Housing and Acting Head of OIKN Basuki Hadimuljono expressed gratitude that tonight they will witness the installation of the 4,650th blade, signifying the completion of the Garuda construction project. Quote Basuki H Courtesy Source: https://www.cnbcindonesia.com/news/20240722133655-4-556618/gedung-garuda-kantor-presiden-di-ikn-rampung For your information, the first blade was installed on September 17, 2023, by President Joko Widodo. The last wing shroud blade for the Presidential Palace at IKN has been completed and shipped from the workshop of PT Siluet Nyoman Nuarta at NuArt Sculpture Park Bandung. The giant Garuda bird is designed with a wingspan of 177 meters and a height of 77 meters. Read More: Competitiveness Rises 7 Places, Indonesia Overtakes Malaysia and Japan The wing blades are made of corrosion-resistant brass and steel produced by PT Krakatau Steel (Persero) Tbk, which are very heavy and require careful transportation. The Garuda statue at IKN is constructed with 4,854 shroud blades, each weighing 0.3 tons. The total weight of the IKN Garuda statue is 1,456 tons. The designer of the Garuda design at IKN, I Nyoman Nuarta, once revealed that he could produce an average of 70-100 shroud blades per day to complete the thousands of shroud blades needed. Therefore, it took approximately 464 days or 15.5 months to create the IKN Garuda statue. "Alhamdulillah, tonight we will witness the installation of the 4,650th blade, marking the completion of our Garuda construction," expressed Minister of PUPR and Acting Head of OIKN Basuki Hadimuljono in a video statement shared by the Ministry of PUPR, quoted on Monday (7/22/2024). "Hopefully in the future, until the designated date when we are not allowed to work anymore, we can complete it well with the installation of the blades and other components," added the designer of the Garuda design at IKN, I Nyoman Nuarta. Courtesy Source: https://www.allianz.co.id/explore/fakta-penting-ikn-calon-ibukota-nkri-pengganti-jakarta.html