Sustainable Resort Construction In Ruteng Expected To Boost Regional Economy And Tourism

Joint photo in the development of a tent resort in Ruteng, Manggarai Regency, East Nusa Tenggara (NTT). (ANTARA/Gecio Viana)

JAKARTA - The Manggarai Regency Government, East Nusa Tenggara (NTT), positively welcomes the construction of an environmentally friendly and sustainable resort in the Ruteng area, which is expected to be a driving force for the local economy while supporting the cultural and religious tourism sector.

The Regent of Manggarai, Herybertus Geradus Laju Nabit, said that the collaboration between the Sudamala Group and the Ruteng Diocese is expected to be realized soon so that the benefits can be directly felt by the community and tourists.

"This collaboration is not only about the construction of resorts, but also about how people can get involved, especially in the service sector and the provision of local products," Hery said in a statement in Labuan Bajo, Saturday, May 11.

The Sudamala Tented Resort which will be developed in Ruteng is part of a strategic partnership that not only brings economic value, but also strengthens Ruteng's image as a religious and cultural tourist destination in Flores.

Hery explained that Catholic culture and religion in Manggarai are closely connected, so that the combination of the two is very suitable to attract superior tourism in the region.

"Catholic values in Manggarai are strongly influenced by local culture, and vice versa. Therefore, religious and cultural tourism is the right combination," he continued.

He also hopes that the construction of this resort will distribute the flow of tourists who have been concentrated in Labuan Bajo to expand to Ruteng and other areas in eastern Flores.

Furthermore, the Manggarai Regency Government is preparing community empowerment through strengthening local farmer groups and MSMEs in order to be able to meet the logistics needs of resorts in a sustainable manner.

"We want the community to be part of this resort supply chain. The Manggarai agricultural sector is actually very ready to support this need, especially in line with the national food security program," he explained.

Meanwhile, the CEO of Sudamala Resorts, Ben Subrata, emphasized his commitment to absorb up to 80 percent of local workers in the resort operation. According to him, this is part of the company's social responsibility to the environment and society.

We always prioritize the principle of sustainability. Apart from blending with nature, our resort also brings real economic benefits to local residents," he said.

Ben also highlighted the uniqueness of Ruteng culture and nature which became a strong basis for developing tourism that was classy but still rooted in local values. He called several regional icons such as Mount Ranaka, Todo Traditional Village, Liang Bua archaeological site, to lingko fields in the form of spider nets as extraordinary tourism assets.

Furthermore, the concept of resort construction will involve traditional architecture, renewable energy, water conservation, and environmentally friendly waste treatment systems. In addition, the community will be involved in various aspects, ranging from training, provision of labor, to cooperation with weaving craftsmen, coffee farmers, and traditional communities.

"Through a design that carries local art and architecture values, we want guests to feel the essence of life for the people of Manggarai," concluded Ben Subrata.