ITDC Optimizes Cultural-Based Tourism Activities at KEK Mandalika

JAKARTA - InJourney Tourism Development Corporation (ITDC) held a Mandalika Art Performance or an art attraction in optimizing cultural-based tourism activities in the Special Economic Zone (KEK) Mandalika West Nusa Tenggara (NTB).

"This activity offers a new experience to tourists and the community," said PGS General Manager The Mandalika Agus Setiawan in Central Lombok, quoted by Antara, Sunday, February 1.

Mandalika Art Performance presents various typical Lombok art performances, ranging from Gandrung Dance, Beriuk Tinjal Dance, Sasak Gending, Cilokak Ensemble, to Drum Dance and Peresean which are attractive for tourists.

"This program is a form of trial activation of a cultural-based area, and at the same time as a starting point in enriching the experience of traveling in The Mandalika, which not only presents the charm of natural beauty and sports events, but also through the richness of the cultural art of the Sasak people," he said.

He said this was the first step in an effort to bring a more lively cultural experience to the Mandalika area.

"We want to see how this art and culture-based activation can attract tourists, enliven the Mandalika Bazaar area, and at the same time provide space for local art practitioners to perform," he said.

This performance involves a number of communities and cultural actors from Kuta Village, including local art centers, Karang Taruna, and Mandalika Child Learning Center (MCLC) children.

The ITDC children were facilitated to attend a dance training with a local dance group before performing at this event. Their involvement presents a more authentic feel and reflects the ongoing effort to cultivate young generations' love for Sasak culture.

In addition to being a means of entertainment for tourists, this event is also hoped to have a direct impact on micro, small, and medium business (MSMEs) actors in the Mandalika Bazaar area. Because, this activation also increases visits to commercial areas, especially outside the period of major events.

"We want to see how art and culture can be a spark of interaction in the region. Today is an opportunity for us to learn, evaluate, and see the potential ahead," added Agus.

In the perspective of ESG ITDC, Mandalika Art Performance reflects the practice of Cultural Guardianship, which is an approach to developing a tourism area that places the community as a guardian and driver of cultural values.

Agus assessed that the collaborative space created through the Mandalika Art Performance is not only presented as part of a tourist attraction, but also as an expression of culture that is alive, growing, and being passed down by the local generation.

He added that the enthusiasm of tourists who filled The Mandalika area during the event showed the strong character of Lombok's culture as an attraction in the area.

"We hope that this event can be a momentum for The Mandalika to showcase the region's more diverse identity and strengthen the role of culture as an important part of the tourism experience we offer to the public," he said.