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.