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Kepuhsari, Solo. Thousands of curious sightseers have flocked to the house where the region’s most-wanted terrorist, Noordin M Top, and three other suspects were killed on Thursday morning, making the badly damaged dwelling place into an instant “tourist” attraction.

Some of the tourists came all the way from Jakarta, and even Lampung, parking their cars kilometers away from the now vacant rental property.

“We just arrived from Lampung today. We missed the shootout, but we can still sense the mood,” said Eko Purwanto, who came with his father, mother and siblings.

“Our village is famous now as it has been on television and has become a tourist attraction. [I hope] people will continue coming,” local resident Haryono said.

Most of the people had come from Solo and surrounding villages. They strained to get a closer look at the house, which is now surrounded by a 4-meter high green fence, and some took pictures of themselves at the scene.

Suparman, from the neighboring town of Banjarsari, said he came to Solo on Thursday morning because he was curious.

“After I watched the news on television I came here. I was lucky to hear some gunshots,” Suparman was quoted by state news agency Antara as saying on Friday.

Suparman said he was shocked to discover that Solo had been a hiding place for terrorists.

“We have to be extra cautious now with newcomers who come to live in our neighborhood,” he said.

Another local, Sunaryo, came with his wife. “The house’s location is secluded so I understand why terrorists could hide here without people becoming suspicious.”

Galang, an 11-year-old boy, walked three kilometers with nine of his friends to see the house.

“I want to experience this unforgettable event — my hometown was a terrorist hiding place,” he said.

Local residents took advantage of people’s enthusiasm by selling food, drinks and other items. A group of men collected “fees” from visitors parking their motorbikes.

“I ask for Rp 1,000 [10 cents] for every motorbike and the money goes to the village petty cash,” one unofficial parking attendant said.

Mijan Siswo Wiyono, whose home is located closest to suspected terrorists’ rental, sold drinks to visitors.

“I know it is the fasting month, but due to hot weather many cancelled their fasting,” she said.

“We did not [technically] sell water to visitors but placed bottled water in front of our house and we serve people who really want to buy water,” said Mijan, who was charged Rp 2,500 for a glass of iced tea.

Another resident, Sri Widodo, said she and her daughter, Yuli Utami, were interviewed by a fTV reporter about Putri Munawarrah, the pregnant wife of one of the suspected terrorists killed in the incident. Putri was wounded during the siege.

“Yuli and I received Rp 350,000 each after giving a live interview,” said Sri, who claimed to know Putri well.