REVIVING BUMI GORA TOURISM - Serious Technology

Published on Mar Mon, 2023 | 13 images

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REVIVING BUMI GORA TOURISM

Charm of Bumi Gora, a nickname for West Nusa Tenggara which known for being successful in Padi Gogo Rancah planting program, has been well-known in abroad, not less than its neighbor, the Island of Gods.

The existence of Lombok Island that has become important part to Bumi Gora can't be separated from Sasak Tribe (the native tribe in Lombok Island). Sade traditional village is one of villages in Rembitan in Pujut, Central Lombok. The village is known for maintaining the tradition of Sasak Tribe. Sade Sasak Tribe, which the reflection of the original Sasak Tribe in Lombok, has been popular among tourists.

Sasak Tribe also known for their sacred tradition, which is Bau Nyale tradition. Every year Lombok people flock together looking for Nyale (colorful sea worms) at Seger Beach, Mandalika Special Economic Zone (KEK) in Kuta, Praya, Central Lombok. Nyale is a name for sea worms that Lombok people believed as the incarnation of Princess Mandalika. By catching Nyale, people interpret it that they have met Princess Mandalika who has incarnate as a worm. 'Bau Nyale' tradition has become one of cultural events that attract both domestic and foreign tourists.

Lombok Island also known for its nature beauty and beaches, such as Mandalika Special Economic Zone (KEK), hills in Sembalun area, and Gili Islands which become top priority and focus of Ministry of Tourism and Economic Creative.

COVID-19 pandemic has affect the tourism sector, including in West Nusa Tenggara. Many business owners try to stay afloat even though there is no income since there are no tourists who visit.

'Tourists visit to Gili Islands during pandemic (COVID-19) can be still counted with fingers, many business owners closed their business, but there are also who try to continue (the business) even without income', said the Chairman of Gili Trawangan Entrepreneur Association (APGT) Acok Zainul Baso.

In order to revive the tourism sector, including in Lombok, government has launch a campaign of Proud with Made in Indonesia movement and Proud to Travel in Indonesia with a theme Exotic Lombok. The campaign aims to support the recovery of national economy in tourism sector amid the COVID-19 pandemic. The movement also an effort to revive the tourism in Bumi Gora which its charm has gone global.

Photo and Text: Aprillio Akbar

Editor: Andika Wahyu

SLIDESHOW

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View of sunset in Selong Belanak Beach

Waiters are seen waiting for visitors at a cafe in Gili Trawangan.

Fishes are seen near statues named “Nest” created by artist Jason deCaires Taylor in Gili Meno waters.

Love Tree is seen in Sasak Sade Tribe Village, Central Lombok. It is named as Love Tree because the tree is a witness of the meeting of young people in the area.

View of Merese Hill

People of Sasak Tribe searching for “Nyale” (colorful sea worms) at Seger Beach. Before pandemic COVID-19, “Bau Nyale” tradition became one of festival events to attract tourists.

Rows of lounge chairs are seen on Gili Trawangan beach.

Tourist is seen walking on a cliff in the Pink Beach area

People of Sasak Tribe in Sade Village prepares to play traditional music instrument to welcome the tourists.

A horse service provider rides his horse while waiting for the tourists to visit Gili Trawangan, Gili Islands, North Lombok, West Nusa Tenggara, March 6, 2021.

Mango Dive & Bungalow owner, George, poses among diving equipment. He said that during the pandemic the turnover for diving services had decreased drastically and hoped that it would gradually recover, so that foreign tourists could return to Gili Trawangan.

Bar, Restaurant and Bungalow owner who also the Chairman of Gili Trawangan Entrepreneur Association (APGT), Acok Zainul Baso, poses in his bar in Gili Trawangan. He said many places in the area closed down since no one visit due to the pandemic.

Aerial view of Gili Air Island