ITDC: Local cultural events strengthen Mandalika development
InJourney Tourism Development Corporation (ITDC) has stated that local cultural performances can strengthen The Mandalika as a tourism destination that does not rely solely on racing events, but also offers an experience combining sport, lifestyle, culture and local community involvement.
“We want The Mandalika to grow not just as a venue for events, but as a destination with a strong story, character and experience,” said ITDC Acting President Director Ahmad Fajar in a written statement in Central Lombok on Sunday.
He said the Mandalika Art and Culture Performance (MACP) programme, which featured the legend of Putri Mandalika at the MSME bazaar over the weekend, was a collaboration between ITDC, the West Nusa Tenggara (NTB) Provincial Cultural Park and communities around the area.
“This is part of efforts to make cultural richness and local wisdom one of the main elements of the tourism experience at The Mandalika,” he said.
The legend of Putri Mandalika, which has become part of the identity of the people of Lombok, was performed by the SakSak Dance art studio through a combination of drama, dance and music.
“Lombok’s culture is an important part of The Mandalika’s DNA,” he said.
Therefore, art, tradition and local community involvement must be part of the experience felt by every visitor when they come to Mandalika.
According to him, various national and international events play an important role as traffic pullers that bring more people to visit and get to know The Mandalika.
However, a strong destination experience is an important factor in encouraging visitors to stay longer, enjoy more activities and have a reason to return.
“Events are one of the drivers of visits and national branding. But the strength of a destination does not stop at events. Culture, nature, lifestyle, sport, cuisine, hospitality and the local community must grow into a single ecosystem of experience,” he said.
Head of the NTB Provincial Cultural Park, Lalu Suryadi Mulawarman, said that the performance of the Legend of Putri Mandalika is one way of keeping cultural heritage alive and relevant amid tourism development.
“The Legend of Putri Mandalika is part of the cultural wealth of the people of Lombok that has been passed down across generations,” he said.
He said that when the story is presented again through drama, dance and music and involves the community as performers, cultural preservation does not stop at safeguarding heritage, but also provides space for culture to continue living, be known and be passed on to the next generation.
This edition of MACP was further enlivened by the presence of The Dudas Minus One, consisting of Raffi Ahmad, Nazril Irham (Ariel), Gading Marten and Deddy Mahendra Desta (Desta).
“Their presence helped amplify the experience of enjoying another side of The Mandalika, not only as a venue for major events, but also as a destination offering cultural richness and local community life,” he said.