Malang- Sengkaling Parks of University of Muhammadiyah Malang (UMM) was officially launched on Saturday (28/2). The inauguration marked the change of name of Sengkaling Recreation Park into Sengkaling Park UMM. Since the acquisition of this legendary tourist spots from the previous owner in 2013, the extensive renovations had been done by UMM, including the establishment of the largest food center in East Java, Sengkaling Food Festival (SFF).

The official announcement was conductedby the Chairman of the Muhammadiyah Central Executive Din Syamsuddin, accompanied by Vice Governor of East Java, Saifullah Yusuf, Regent of Malang H. Rendra Krishna, and UMM Rector, Effendy Muhadjir along with Sengkaling Park UMM management. Inauguration conducted in one area of the Sengkaling Park UMM, Romantic Park (Taman Romantis) was attended by structural officials UMM, executives of Aisyiyah and Muhammadiyah Malang, as well as a number of business partners.

In his speech,after the signing of the inscription, Din said that the taking over of Sengkaling Park UMM is a characteristic of UMM to always look for and find new things.

Looking ahead, Din hoped that this place could be a recreation center that remained concerned with educational values and Islamic. "I think it's great if UMM develops Sengkaling Park UMM into a sharia park attractions," he said.

He alsoadvised two things to UMM that this recreational sites should be more advanced. First, Din mentioned the need for attractive packaging.

"A product is seen from the packaging, so how UMM Sengkaling Park is packed is as interesting and as creative as possible for tourists who want to go vacation. The second is branding. This place-branding should be in such a way that attracts tourists, mainly travel agencies, so that they can choose this place as a choice of tourist destination, "he said.

Similarly, Regent Rendra Kresna fully supported the acquisition of Sengkaling Recreation Park by UMM.

"When I heard UMM want to take over this place, I am very supportive of the plan until it can be realized as it is today. Hopefully in the hands of UMM, this place would be much better and more advanced again, because this UMM Sengkaling Park is one of the biggest tourist income accounted for in Malang, "said Rendra.

UMMRector also stated that in the era of Dutch colonialism, this Sengkaling Recreation Park was like a lonely grave of inactivity. However, after the Sengkaling Recreation Park was open to the public especially when UMM took ownership, all day all night this place wasalways crowded by visitors and tourists.

"Alhamdulillah, since the presence of Sengkaling Food Festival and a massive renovation, this place becomes more crowded. It is also a favor to the young people in management who are constantly looking for new innovations, "said Rector.

Healso mentioned, in the near future, a bridge between the park and the area Sengkaling UMM campus would be created. "This place and the campus is only separated by the river Brantas, when the bridge was finished, the whole area of the campus will be part of the attraction of Sengkaling UMM," said Muhadjir. (zul / day) (dzar)