Rinjani Geopark Managers Promote Local Coffee as a Tourist Destination for Hikers

Mataram (ANTARA) - The Rinjani Geopark Management Agency is promoting the potential of local coffee as a flagship tourism destination for tourists climbing Mount Rinjani on Lombok Island, West Nusa Tenggara (NTB). General Manager of Rinjani Geopark, Qwadru Wicaksono, stated that arabica and robusta coffee plantations are widely spread around Mount Rinjani, from the eastern, western, to northern regions. “The coffee gardens along all hiking trails have potential for us to utilise in order to create greater comfort for hikers,” he said in Mataram on Monday. The coffee beans produced by local plantations are supported by the highland and lowland geographical conditions with volcanic soil from eruptions that is rich in nutrients. Qwadru explained that coffee development is not only focused on production but also directed as part of the tourism experience when visiting Lombok Island. “Tourism is not just about hikers visiting to witness natural beauty, but there are memories they take away, one of which is in the form of coffee souvenirs,” he said. Qwadru stated that the programme focuses on identifying local potentials and fostering communities in managing agricultural produce into high economic value products. “We have started compiling plans to survey all potentials around Rinjani Geopark. This year, the survey programme has begun with selecting a few points first,” he said.