Mataram Hotels Promote with Vulgar Language, Association Says It Has 'Gone Too Far'

The Mataram Hotel Association (AHM) has deplored the vulgar promotions carried out by a number of hotels, saying the marketing has gone too far and risks damaging Mataram’s image as a tourist destination. AHM Chairman Made Adiyasa stated that the promotional content, which went viral on social media, was beyond the bounds of decency for a hospitality business. According to Adiyasa, the promotional narrative explicitly alludes to matters that violate moral norms. As an organisation that oversees hotel associations, he expressed deep disappointment at the promotional methods, suggesting they should be more polite and wiser. Adiyasa noted that several hotels engaging in these vulgar promotions were not members of the Mataram Hotel Association. He voiced concerns about the long-term impact of the negative promotion, especially as the year enters its second half and preparations begin for the year-end holiday season. He fears the bad image created by the vulgar content will deter domestic tourists from visiting and staying in Mataram, stressing that not all hotel guests share the same intentions. Dozens of promotional marketing videos for budget hotels in Mataram have recently gone viral on social media for their vulgar content, causing a public uproar. Monitoring on TikTok showed various lodgings promoting their rooms with highly explicit language, including slogans promising guests freedom from raids and anxiety due to guaranteed privacy and security, as well as comparing staying at the hotel favourably to engaging in sexual activity in the bushes.