After the riots, Lombok waits for tourists' return

After the riots, Lombok waits for tourists' return

By Grace Segran

MATARAM, Lombok (JP): Nothing much happens in Lombok. People
are by and large content with their quality of life, going about
their daily affairs as they have done for generations.

Ten years ago hotels and tourism began to develop, bringing a
bit of excitement, particularly to the western part of the
island. It continued developing at a manageable pace, not too
loud nor obtrusive. The locals did not resent the development,
but in fact welcomed it because it provided jobs for many. Today
30,000 to 40,000 of the island's 2.7 million people are dependent
on tourism.

When riots broke out two months ago, the people were jolted.
Lombok's reputation for being a safe destination in Indonesia was
shattered overnight, and many suffered for it with the loss of
tourist dollars. It was a painful experience.

But not all bad came out of the riots.

Lombok was suddenly thrust into the media spotlight.
Previously, most people outside of Asia thought of Lombok as
somewhere in the far east, if they knew of it at all. Today,
although the publicity was undesired and unsought, Lombok has
been placed firmly on the world map.

Food and beverage director of Holiday Inn Senggigi Richard
Mehr said: "The immediate impact the riots had was creating an
awareness of Lombok and where it is. For some, this is the first
time they've ever heard of it."

The other startling revelation was that Lombok is not, despite
the prevailing misconception, part of Bali.

"Those who know Indonesia or have been to Bali assumed that
Lombok is part of Bali. Now they know that it is a separate
entity altogether and that it has its own charm and culture,"
added Mehr.

Soon after the riots, hotels in Lombok began to promote
themselves individually. The individual efforts were weak and not
very effective. When the establishments -- from the big hotels to
the little shops -- realized that they were in the same
predicament, they decided to combine efforts and resources for
the good of Lombok. The Senggigi Business Association (SBA) was
formed on Feb. 12.

In a way, the riots brought the people of Lombok together.

"There was synergy," said sales manager of Senggigi Beach
Hotel Satra. "Together with the government and the minister of
tourism, we are able to do far more things than when we did it
alone."

The show of support was overwhelming. The more than 100
members took everyone by surprise, as did the generous
contributions for the running of the association. To show that
the newly formed committee was serious about its role, a gotong
royong (mutual cooperation) session was organized soon after the
inaugural meeting. With the assistance of the local government
and more than 400 people, Senggigi was spruced up and its image
improved. Rubbish was removed and drains cleaned. There was a
sense of belonging among the people that seemed to show their
commitment to improving the area

The SBA's most immediate concern is to assist other
organizations in bringing about a swift return of tourists to
Lombok. Joint promotions are being done with Bali. For example,
tourists who buy an eight-day package to Bali spend six days in
Bali and two days in Lombok.

The committee stressed the importance of education and
training for the locals so that they can get jobs easily when the
economy picks up.

Most of the hotels and restaurants did not lay off staff after
the violence. Contracts were not renewed when they ran out but
all permanent staff stayed on. But since room occupancy is low,
the staff has more time on their hands.

Oberoi front office manager Rudy Buharqi has asked staff to
clear annual leave and public holidays that they were not able to
do last year when the hotel was running at high occupancy.

Satra said that employees were doing maintenance work on the
rooms, with many redeployed to this are. For example, a member of
the may be asked to assist in renovating or painting a room. In
the process, employees also learn new skills. When tourists
return, many will be staying in renovated and refurbished hotels.

Through the crisis, people's concern for others became
evident.

"In the midst of the unrest, some of my hotel staff kept vigil
at my house at night on their accord, they were looking out for
my safety," Mehr said. "When I returned after the evacuation, the
staff ran up to hug me. I was touched by their expression of
love."

Food and beverage manager of Sheraton Lombok Wolfgang
Boettcher said: "The Starwood group, of which Sheraton Lombok is
a part, collected Rp 42 million from employees all over the world
including China, Australia and Bandung. The people gave small
amounts but it had such an incredible impact."

With the money, the hotel is helping staff rebuild houses
which were razed. All the staff will be receiving gifts of
staple foods such as rice, sugar and cooking oil.

Outside of the hotel, suppliers who were not based on the
island provided free service during the crucial one month to
three months after the riots, and many donated money for the
staff.

"With such overwhelming support, I'm sure we will be able to
hold out during the turbulent times together," said Boettcher.

And so all was not lost. The learning curve for Lombok people
in the last two months was steep and the process painful. But
their tenacity and resilience made them turn the bad situation
into something good.

They are now ready to receive tourists again.