JAKARTA， Sept. 28 (Xinhua) -- Indonesia promoted tourism in eastern region by launching a tour festival in Maluku province on Wednesday， aiming at attracting more tourists to visit the far-flung region that would eventually boost the economy in the region and the nation as well.

The launching of Bupolo tour festival in Mauluku's Buru regency was highly expected to contribute to the nation's efforts in attracting 12 million foreign tourist visit this year initially targeted by the government.

Tourism Ministry Secretary Ukus Kuswara said that tourism sector in the country has been vibrant and lucrative in the last few years， contributed 10 percent to the nation's Gross Domestic Product (GDP) last year.

Growths in the tourism sector were recorded at 4.8 and 6.9 percent in the last two years respectively， higher than the growths in other sectors in the corresponding years， Ukus said.

"Tourism sector has created 9.8 million jobs or 8.4 percent from national figure，" Ukus said in his remarks to launch the Bupolo tour festival， referring to the achievement made by the sector.

According to Ukus， tourism sector now has contributed 9.3 percent to national earnings， following the nation's largest earner sectors of oil and gas， coals and palm oil.

Indonesia has set a target to welcome 20 million foreign tourist visits， earns more than 24 billion U.S. dollars from tourism sector by 2019.

Maluku province was among Indonesia's top 10 diving tour destinations along with Bali， Lombok， Manado， Bunaken， Lembeh， Togean， Alor， Raja Ampat and Derawan.

The Bupolo festival with various local cultural events to be presented， will be held from October 8 to 12 in Namlea， Maluku province's Buru regency with pristine white sands coasts.

by Christine Lagat

NAIROBI Jake DeBrusk Bruins Jersey , June 20 (Xinhua) -- Nyechuol Ruai Kuol has tragicmemories of fleeing turmoil in her native South Sudan at a tenderage only to reunite with distant relatives and former neighbors atKakuma refugee camp in northern Kenya.

The 24-year-old major in gender studies at a public universityin Kenya has overcome huge obstacles to reclaim her once shatteredhopes and dreams.

During an interview with Xinhua on Tuesday at an event to markWorld Refugee Day, Kuol said tenacity Charlie McAvoy Bruins Jersey , resilience and sunnyoptimism has kept her going despite living as a refugee in aforeign land.

"My life as a refugee in Kenya for the last two decades has beentumultuous but I have learnt to persevere since there is alwayslight at the end of a dark tunnel for those who refuse to succumbto life's drudgeries," said Kuol.

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The eloquent and bubbly young female refugee has vowed toutilize skills acquired in the university to mentor her peersliving as refugees in Kenya and neighboring countries.

"As an educated young refugee, am in a better position toadvocate peace and harmonious co-existence among differentcommunities in my native country. Likewise Torey Krug Bruins Jersey , I have a passion foreducating the youth to become responsible citizens," Kuolremarked.

Civil strife in South Sudan that keeps on recurring isresponsible for shattering the hopes and aspirations of thecountry's youth who were forced to settle in foreign lands andreclaim their destiny.

Kuol and her youthful peers who found a safe haven in Kenya aredetermined to make an indelible mark in their adopted country.

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She is not alone in painting a rosy future for young refugeesliving in Kenya despite their tragic circumstances.

Abdul Rashid Abdulahi Danton Heinen Bruins Jersey , a 22-year-old Somalia refugee who settledin Kenya at a tender age has pursued formal education with gusto,confident that it will in future open a flood gate ofopportunities.

Like millions of Somalia youth Zdeno Chara Bruins Jersey , Abdulahi was exposed to theravages of conflicts and natural disasters during the formativeyears of growing up yet he still harbors a desire to turn thetables and become an accomplished diplomat.

The suave and friendly youth is currently pursuing aninternational relations course that would pave way for him to landin the world of diplomacy.

"It has been a treacherous journey living as a young refugeehere in Kenya but have gradually reconciled with that reality andwill not relent in my pursuit of a brighter tomorrow," Abdulahiremarked.

Hundreds of young refugees from strife torn east and horn ofAfrican states attended the national event to mark World RefugeeDay in Nairobi.

The youngsters who either grew up in refugee camps located innorthern Kenya or sprawling urban settlements share similar worldviews despite their ethnic and gender divide.

Miskia Ahmed Brandon Carlo Bruins Jersey , a 21-year-old female Somalia refugee who has livedin Kenya since her childhood has a burning desire to change anarrative punctuated by despair and hopelessness.

The psychology major aims to become a family therapist and helptraumatized young refugees reclaim their lost dreams.

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Kenya has provided a safe haven for young refugees displaced bywars in neighboring countries to break off with a tragic past andop.