Indonesia has long depended on oil export and other resources to expand its economy. But now, the Indonesian government is looking for other sources of growth, and among them, tourism comes first and foremost.
Indonesia is made up of 17,000 islands with pristine beaches and lush rainforests. Officials across the country hope to take advantage of these natural assets. They’re also working on other creative projects for attracting visitors from overseas.
Lombok Island is considered to have some of Indonesia’s most beautiful beaches. It’s only an hour’s boat ride from Bali, but has far fewer tourists than the famous resorts across the water.
Foreign visitors are spoilt for choice in Indonesia — from temples to markets, rainforests to coral reefs. However, majority of them travel only to Bali, Jakarta, or Batam Island near Singapore. The government wants to change that and has designated 10 regions to be developed as new tourist destinations. Top priority is a district on Lombok Island called Mandalika.
Apart from a beautiful beach, there is hardly any tourist entertainment in Mandalika. But now, the government is working on to develop it like Bali. Facilities will include a hotel complex, auto race circuit and water theme park. Officials say the resort will be ready by 2019.
