Many historical sites and museums are mainly visited by tourists, not local people. Why is this the case? What can be done to attract local people in visiting this historical sites and museums?

It is recognized that the majority of visitors to museums or locations with historical significance are primarily tourists, as opposed to locals. This phenomenon could be attributed to cultural or financial factors. Effective management of these sites and a consistent effort to reengage the local community could hold the key to increasing the participation of local residents.

The individuals who frequent historical sites tend to be tourists from different regions or countries. This is simply because these individuals have never previously visited these locations. In contrast, locals are already familiar with these places, which often fail to offer novel experiences. They possess comprehensive knowledge about the site and thus do not feel compelled to revisit it. For instance, many tourists visiting Palembang make it a point to capture photographs on the Ampera Bridge. Yet, having resided in Palembang for numerous years, I find the Ampera Bridge far from captivating. This highlights how a city’s distinctive icon can hold varying values for different individuals.

Museums serve as educational hubs, offering valuable insights into the history of specific regions. However, they often adhere to traditional management practices, resulting in an outdated and somewhat eerie atmosphere. Museums need to be reimagined and redesigned with interactivity in mind. If museums were to undergo a modern and stylish transformation, becoming appealing locations for socializing, a surge in visitors can be anticipated, particularly if they are deemed visually attractive for platforms like Instagram.

An additional approach to ensure a rise in visitor numbers is to promote the newly revamped museums and reduce entrance fees for local residents. This strategy would enable local citizens to benefit from the promotion, encouraging families to visit collectively, enjoying the facility’s offerings while being both entertained and educated by the experience. Although this method is promising, it necessitates the museum management’s ability to maintain operations with the reduced revenue. With time, it is hoped that this approach will prove beneficial to management as people become increasingly familiar with and fond of the venue.

In conclusion, potential strategies to enhance the engagement of local visitors involve incorporating visitors into well-structured programs and ensuring that ticket prices are affordable for all members of the community.