Lombok, August 25, 2024 – A research team from the Faculty of Communication (Fikom) at Universitas Tarumanagara (Untar), consisting of Dr. Wulan Purnama Sari, M.Si., Nigar Pandrianto, S.Sos., M.Si., Gregorius Genep Sukendro, S.Sos., M.Si., and Lydia Irena, S.I.Kom., M.Si., has just concluded a study in Lombok. The research focused on the “Model for Developing Tourism and Creative Economy Based on Local Culture,” conducted from August 22 to 25, 2024.
This research adopted a participatory approach through a **Focus Group Discussion (FGD)** involving key figures in Lombok’s tourism sector. The FGD was attended by Mawardi, Head of the Institutional Division of the West Nusa Tenggara (NTB) Tourism Office, and Dr. Sri Susanty, a tourism consultant and lecturer at the Lombok Polytechnic of Tourism. The discussion explored various strategies and challenges in developing tourism in Lombok, leveraging the island’s rich local culture and the potential of its creative economy.
During the FGD, Mawardi emphasized the importance of integrating the creative economy with the tourism sector to improve the welfare of local communities. He highlighted the role of local governments in supporting communities through various training programs and creative economic empowerment, particularly in emerging areas such as Mandalika. Dr. Sri Susanty added that the development of competent human resources in tourism is essential to ensure the industry’s sustainability, especially amid global challenges like the COVID-19 pandemic.
In addition to the discussion, the research team conducted a series of field observations at several key tourist destinations in Lombok, including Kuta Mandalika, Sade Village, Sukarara Village, the Sembalun area, and the city of Mataram. These observations aimed to gain a deeper understanding of how local culture is integrated into the tourism sector and how local communities are involved in the creative economy, such as handicraft production and performing arts.
Dr. Wulan Purnama Sari, the lead researcher, expressed hopes that the findings of this study could serve as an applicable model for other regions in Indonesia. “Lombok has great potential not only in terms of natural beauty but also in its rich culture that has not been fully utilized. This research aims to develop a model that can sustainably optimize both aspects,” said Dr. Wulan.
The research also highlights the importance of strong collaboration between the government, the community, and the private sector in advancing a tourism industry that is based on local cultural identity. The research team plans to present their findings to tourism stakeholders at both regional and national levels, with the hope of making a tangible contribution to sustainable tourism development in Indonesia.
This study marks a significant step towards the inclusive development of Lombok’s tourism, based on local potential and focused on improving community welfare through the creative economy (LI).
