REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, PADANG -- The ongoing Multilateral Naval Exercise Komodo (MNEK) 2016 is expected to help promote West Sumatra Province as a peaceful and friendly tourist destination, according to Governor Irwan Prayitno.

"A total of 36 countries are participating in the event. We hope they would promote the beauty of West Sumatra in their countries, so more tourists would visit here," Prayitno stated here, Tuesday.

Several foreign journalists also covered the international event, which is being organized to coincide with the International Fleet Review 2016 and the 15th Western Pacific Naval Symposium in Padang and Mentawai Isles, West Sumatra, on April 12-16.

"The reports broadcast in their countries will certainly serve as a form of free tourism promotion for West Sumatra," he pointed out.

The province should be able to utilize the momentum offered by the event to boost its tourism industry, the governor noted.

As many as 15 foreign countries have sent their 20 warships to participate in the MNEK 2016 event.

The participating countries are Bangladesh, India, Thailand, Malaysia, Vietnam, the United States, Japan, France, Russia, China, Sri Lanka, Australia, Papua New Guinea, Singapore, and Brunei Darussalam.

As the host country, Indonesia has deployed 28 warships.

The international events were officially launched by President Joko Widodo.

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