MaxFM, Waingapu – English – Sumba is predicted as one of the luxurious tourist destinations soon. Therefore, its people must be prepared to anticipate the burst of tourists to the area. Since tourism is one of the economic development tools, it is expected that the people in Sumba will be benefited from its potentially growing tourism.
The main researcher of the Indonesian Ministry of Village, Development of Disadvantaged Regions And Transmigration, Ir. Djoko P. Wibowo, shared similar considerations during an interactive talk carried by MaxFm Waingapu. Conducted through a partnership with the local government of East Sumba, Tim Family Welfare Development group of East Sumba, and Rotary Waingapu Sumba, the dialogue was carried via Zoom.
Djoko mentioned that as the Covid-19 cases have seemed to decline, the people in Sumba should be ready to welcome the increasing number of tourists.
Further, Djoko added that after being locked up for almost two years, people start to go back to their routines, including spending their leisure time traveling. He thinks natural tourist spots will be more preferred as main destinations.
“Enjoying the natural beauty is the main choice and foreign tourists see that Sumba has numerous natural wonders”, he said.
“The roads may not be perfect, but if the attractions could pamper visitors with their beauties after a long and exhausting journey, I believe that visitors will not mind,” Djoko said.
Djoko further described how Sumba is considered an exotic island in the eastern part of Indonesia, so it makes the island a ‘luxurious escapade’ because of its natural beauties, cultures, Marapu, and savannah.
“Sumba owns everything it takes to be a world leader in future tourism development”, he said.
The chairperson of the Family Welfare Development group of Sumba Timur (Tim Penggerak PKK), Merliaty Praing, mentioned that her team is helping villages to maximize their tourism potentials. She said further that her team assists the locals to improve their skills, for example, encouraging the people to introduce authentic dishes of their area. Merliaty believes that this form of empowerment will open more opportunities for the locals to improve their economy. With the promising tourism market, she hopes that her program of community development will make the locals be more competitive with tourist guides and travel agents.
“We help one village in each district to be a model and we plan to reach more in the following years,” Merliaty said.
Merliaty added that through her program, she and her team attempt to explore and revitalize the indigenous culture of the Sumba people. She aims to introduce the native cultural products and develop them for sale as souvenirs for tourists.
The Director of Quadrant Consulting, Ronny H. Mustamu, encourages any attempts to assist people in Sumba to welcome potential tourists visiting the island. He said that before massively promoting the island for tourism, well-preparation must be made to equip the people in Sumba with adequate skills so they will gain maximum advantages.
Ronny, who also actively participates in Rotary Club Surabaya, mentioned that the Banyuwangi Regency of East Java is a good example of their tourism development. It took a short time for the regency to build its positive image as one of the distinguished tourist destinations in the country and eventually, attract more visitors. Ronny added that as the initial effort, Banyuwangi aimed to improve the sanitation facilities. Organized in form of a competition, residents were encouraged to support sanitation improvement projects and the winners were awarded a new toilet. The competition has proven a successful strategy to develop local tourism.
During the interactive dialogue, the following questions and comments came from the audiences:
Siti Fatimah-BPI Kemendesa PDTT
Question for the chairperson of PKK: We have to be aware that tourism development still faces superstructure challenges, such as regulatory issues. What is your recommendation to tackle such problems?
Junus Hauteas
Among much cultural uniqueness, ikat seems to be the only prominent attraction of Sumba. What plan does TP PKK Sumba Timur together with municipalities to allow better economic movement through the introduction of Sumba authentic dishes?
Lisa Yuniarti
Good evening Mr. Hen. I have just done my research in East Sumba and have always wanted to go back to the natural beauties there. However, I just wanted to share my concern that during my stay, it seemed that the locals were still ignorant of health protocols.
Oktovina Maranda
Why do signifiers and patterns on East Sumba ikat are different from the other three regencies in Sumba island?
Desy Kurniasari
Sumba is a great potential spot for domestic and international fishing enthusiasts.
Minosa
Congratulations to Mr. Joko and his team from Jakarta. Special thanks to the first lady of East Sumba regency and Radio FM for the hard works to promote tourism potentials in the area. Thank you to all presenters.
MUSA
Good evening ladies and gentlemen. Allow me to introduce myself. My name is Musa. I represent ‘talent rumah bunda Hoa’. I was wondering how to improve our tourism during the pandemic, especially knowing that there are health protocols to follow? Secondly, has our tourism experienced an increase or decrease and how so? Thank you.
Slamet Simamora – Jakarta
Good evening to all.
Sumba has promising tourism potentials.
Why? Because of its beautiful landscape and amazing culture, including its local knowledge and wisdom.
I spent three weeks there and the island is just stunning.
Why do the people in Sumba do not seem to make use of marine products?
[Translator : Itha Priyastiti]
