After the riots, Lombok waits for tourists' return<\/p>\n
By Grace Segran<\/p>\n
MATARAM, Lombok (JP): Nothing much happens in Lombok. People
\nare by and large content with their quality of life, going about
\ntheir daily affairs as they have done for generations.<\/p>\n
Ten years ago hotels and tourism began to develop, bringing a
\nbit of excitement, particularly to the western part of the
\nisland. It continued developing at a manageable pace, not too
\nloud nor obtrusive. The locals did not resent the development,
\nbut in fact welcomed it because it provided jobs for many. Today
\n30,000 to 40,000 of the island's 2.7 million people are dependent
\non tourism.<\/p>\n
When riots broke out two months ago, the people were jolted.
\nLombok's reputation for being a safe destination in Indonesia was
\nshattered overnight, and many suffered for it with the loss of
\ntourist dollars. It was a painful experience.<\/p>\n
But not all bad came out of the riots.<\/p>\n
Lombok was suddenly thrust into the media spotlight.
\nPreviously, most people outside of Asia thought of Lombok as
\nsomewhere in the far east, if they knew of it at all. Today,
\nalthough the publicity was undesired and unsought, Lombok has
\nbeen placed firmly on the world map.<\/p>\n
Food and beverage director of Holiday Inn Senggigi Richard
\nMehr said: \"The immediate impact the riots had was creating an
\nawareness of Lombok and where it is. For some, this is the first
\ntime they've ever heard of it.\"<\/p>\n
The other startling revelation was that Lombok is not, despite
\nthe prevailing misconception, part of Bali.<\/p>\n
\"Those who know Indonesia or have been to Bali assumed that
\nLombok is part of Bali. Now they know that it is a separate
\nentity altogether and that it has its own charm and culture,\"
\nadded Mehr.<\/p>\n
Soon after the riots, hotels in Lombok began to promote
\nthemselves individually. The individual efforts were weak and not
\nvery effective. When the establishments -- from the big hotels to
\nthe little shops -- realized that they were in the same
\npredicament, they decided to combine efforts and resources for
\nthe good of Lombok. The Senggigi Business Association (SBA) was
\nformed on Feb. 12.<\/p>\n
In a way, the riots brought the people of Lombok together.<\/p>\n
\"There was synergy,\" said sales manager of Senggigi Beach
\nHotel Satra. \"Together with the government and the minister of
\ntourism, we are able to do far more things than when we did it
\nalone.\"<\/p>\n
The show of support was overwhelming. The more than 100
\nmembers took everyone by surprise, as did the generous
\ncontributions for the running of the association. To show that
\nthe newly formed committee was serious about its role, a gotong
\nroyong (mutual cooperation) session was organized soon after the
\ninaugural meeting. With the assistance of the local government
\nand more than 400 people, Senggigi was spruced up and its image
\nimproved. Rubbish was removed and drains cleaned. There was a
\nsense of belonging among the people that seemed to show their
\ncommitment to improving the area<\/p>\n
The SBA's most immediate concern is to assist other
\norganizations in bringing about a swift return of tourists to
\nLombok. Joint promotions are being done with Bali. For example,
\ntourists who buy an eight-day package to Bali spend six days in
\nBali and two days in Lombok.<\/p>\n
The committee stressed the importance of education and
\ntraining for the locals so that they can get jobs easily when the
\neconomy picks up.<\/p>\n
Most of the hotels and restaurants did not lay off staff after
\nthe violence. Contracts were not renewed when they ran out but
\nall permanent staff stayed on. But since room occupancy is low,
\nthe staff has more time on their hands.<\/p>\n
Oberoi front office manager Rudy Buharqi has asked staff to
\nclear annual leave and public holidays that they were not able to
\ndo last year when the hotel was running at high occupancy.<\/p>\n
Satra said that employees were doing maintenance work on the
\nrooms, with many redeployed to this are. For example, a member of
\nthe may be asked to assist in renovating or painting a room. In
\nthe process, employees also learn new skills. When tourists
\nreturn, many will be staying in renovated and refurbished hotels.<\/p>\n
Through the crisis, people's concern for others became
\nevident.<\/p>\n
\"In the midst of the unrest, some of my hotel staff kept vigil
\nat my house at night on their accord, they were looking out for
\nmy safety,\" Mehr said. \"When I returned after the evacuation, the
\nstaff ran up to hug me. I was touched by their expression of
\nlove.\"<\/p>\n
Food and beverage manager of Sheraton Lombok Wolfgang
\nBoettcher said: \"The Starwood group, of which Sheraton Lombok is
\na part, collected Rp 42 million from employees all over the world
\nincluding China, Australia and Bandung. The people gave small
\namounts but it had such an incredible impact.\"<\/p>\n
With the money, the hotel is helping staff rebuild houses
\nwhich were razed. All the staff will be receiving gifts of
\nstaple foods such as rice, sugar and cooking oil.<\/p>\n
Outside of the hotel, suppliers who were not based on the
\nisland provided free service during the crucial one month to
\nthree months after the riots, and many donated money for the
\nstaff.<\/p>\n
\"With such overwhelming support, I'm sure we will be able to
\nhold out during the turbulent times together,\" said Boettcher.<\/p>\n
And so all was not lost. The learning curve for Lombok people
\nin the last two months was steep and the process painful. But
\ntheir tenacity and resilience made them turn the bad situation
\ninto something good.<\/p>\n
They are now ready to receive tourists again.<\/p>", "url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/after-the-riots-lombok-waits-for-tourists-return-1447893297", "image": "" }, "sponsor": "Okusi Associates", "sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com" }