Lombok, an island in Indonesia known for its azure beaches and stunning landscapes, has become a focal point for tourism development, drawing attention away from its more famous neighbor, Bali. While Lombok offers a serene escape with fewer crowds and breathtaking views, recent developments have raised concerns among locals about the potential impacts on their culture and environment.
In 2023, Lombok received 81,500 international visitors, up 40% over last year. As a result of this timely boom, there’s been a massive influx of investment in the island’s tourism infrastructure. In response, the Indonesian government has received hundreds of millions of dollars to develop its tourism infrastructure. This package includes a notable $250 million loan from the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank. The ambitious Mandalika tourism project aims to transform Lombok into a new tourist haven, but it has sparked worries that the island could face the same challenges of over-tourism that Bali currently experiences.
Lombok, with its thousands of mosques, is Indonesia’s most Islamic island, and is mostly populated by the archipelago’s largely Muslim Sasak ethnic group. The island’s culture is influenced overwhelmingly by Islam, making it distinctly different from its neighbors. Yet their residents simultaneously fear that this breakneck development might wash away their culture, traditions and way of life. Many more residents have been displaced due to the development of Mandalika. According to a detailed report, file, and photos provided by Visible Impact, stall owners at Tanjung Aan beach were not given sufficient warning nor appropriate relocation arrangements.
“The people of Mandalika must not be sacrificed for a project that promises economic growth at the expense of human rights,” – UN human rights experts.
Mount Rinjani, Lombok’s majestic volcano, remains a popular hiking destination, attracting adventure seekers who seek to explore its natural beauty. The island’s beaches are regarded as hidden gems among surfers, providing a tranquil alternative to Bali’s bustling coastlines. Yet as visitors descend on Lombok, many locals fear they’ll soon lose the culture, indigenous traditions and natural beauty that makes their island so special.
Local small business owners such as Damar have shared their conflicting sentiments about the newfound tourism surge. He thought about his lack of educational opportunities and how entering the tourism industry had shifted his life trajectory.
“I’ve never really been to school, so joining the tourism industry was one of the best choices that I have ever made,” – Damar.
Yet, he voiced his frustrations about government actions that have left many feeling powerless.
“I was angry, but I cannot do much. I cannot fight against the government,” – Damar.
The lightning-fast tourism boom hasn’t been without its complications. A motorcycle Grand Prix held in Mandalika attracted 120,000 spectators and resulted in significant waste management challenges, leaving behind 30 tonnes of rubbish that authorities struggled to clear. This situation is a perfect example of how mass tourism really stresses and overloads local infrastructure and resources.
Baiq Enida Kinang Lare, a fellow community member, remembered the rapid transformations occurring on Lombok. She wrote poignantly about the changing nature of her home island.
“I miss the past, but we like the money,” – Baiq Enida Kinang Lare.
She described her experience trying to keep in touch with friends and family as communities undergo a rapid and often disorienting transformation.
“It’s difficult to find time to gather and see everyone. This is what we miss. We feel like the time flies very, very fast because we’re busy,” – Baiq Enida Kinang Lare.
As Lombok’s identity continues to change with the development of its burgeoning tourism industry, many islanders worry that it is in danger of losing its distinct culture. Putri Sekar Utami Setiastuti underlined that Lombok needs to develop its own distinct character. She thinks it can’t only try to be a more peaceful version of Bali.
“Lombok has to find its own identity – not just [become] a less crowded Bali,” – Sekar Utami Setiastuti.
Though many fear their culture will be diluted and the environment destroyed, some residents of Tonga welcome the promise tourism holds. Andrew Irwin said bringing back these opportunities would improve the quality of life all West Virginians deserve.
“It’s giving people more opportunities to earn more money, send their kids to proper school, get proper insurance, get proper healthcare, and essentially live a better quality of life,” – Andrew Irwin.
Like most natives, they’re still concerned that uncontrolled development will eventually destroy their culture, as well as the land it grew from. Both community members served as powerful reminders about the reality of losing coastal land and how that loss affects people’s ability to earn a living.
“Thousands of people here depend on [coastal land] for their livelihood,” – Adi.
Ella Nurlaila from Los Angeles expressed similar sentiments, stating that recent evictions have been especially brutal.
“My goodness, this eviction was so cruel,” – Ella Nurlaila.
Lombok now finds itself at the crossroads of cultural identity and economic development. Protecting their heritage Residents are passionate defenders of their heritage and continue to watch intently the encroaching threat of development. Continuing investments and major projects are continuing to drive record levels of tourism. Perhaps even more importantly, stakeholders need to balance this growth with a thoughtful respect to the existing local communities and their traditions.