RI INTENDS TO HOST NEW SEVEN WONDERS SELECTION MEETING

Jakarta, Jan. 23 (ANTARA) - Indonesia intends to host an international meeting to select the New Seven Wonders in 2011, a senior tourism official said.

"We want to be the host country of the meeting to select 'new seven wonders'," Sapta Nirwandar, the tourism and culture ministry's director general, said here on Saturday.

Indonesia had an interest in the event as one of the country's tourist destinations, Komodo Dragon National Park, was a finalist in the new Seven Wonders of nature selection process, he said.

"Indonesia would be automatically promoted through the event," he said.

The ministry also planned to relaunch the promotion of 'Vote Komodo for New Seven Wonders of Nature' in various places, he said.

Up to now, the Komodo National Park is among the top 28 finalists in the new Seven Wonders selection.

"The Komodo rating is fluctuating but still in the green area or safe area," he said.

The 28 finalists will be divided into 7 categories. Among competitors of the Komodo Dragon national park is Sunburn in China, Blackforest in Europe, and Amazon in Argentine, Paraguay, and Brazil.

The new seven Wonders will be officially announced in 2011.