World’s largest wooden Quran draws visitors to Indonesia

Tourist attraction

According to Shofwatillah, since 2012 a million visitors have visited the museum.

It attracts both domestic visitors and tourists from countries such as Turkey, Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Malaysia, Singapore, the U.S., and Canada.

Shofwatillah also said he wants to build a movie theater to educate visitors about the miracles of the Quran.

Visitor Sarmin Gumay, 76, said he was amazed by the beauty of Al Quran Al Akbar, adding that he had visited the museum several times.

Amira Luthfiah, 16, came south from Lampung to Palembang - a nearly 300-kilometer (186-mile) journey - just to satisfy her curiosity. "It is absolutely wonderful,” she said.

Amira told Anadolu Agency that there is little religious tourism in Palembang, but she hopes the government will give it more support. "I hope people can understand the holy Quran more,” she added.

Boosting the economy

The museum has had a huge impact on local residents, as the area is now crowded with merchants. Not only tourists, but also sellers of clothes, food, and drink flock to areas around the museum.

Ujang, 60, who sells drinks, said that the Islamic boarding school in the area has provided scholarships for orphans.

"I’m happy that my children can study there affordably,” he said.

During the Muslim holiday of Eid al-Fitr - which this year took place in June - it also provides Zakah (financial assistance) for local residents.