From Bo'a Beach, Nihi Rote Presents Hope and Opportunity for Local Residents

Chairman of Commission IV of the Indonesian House of Representatives, Titiek Soeharto and President Commissioner of PT. Bo'a Development, Panji Adhikumoro Soeharto and colleagues/ Photo: IST

ROTE, NTT - On the exotic expanse of Bo'a Beach, Rote Regency, East Nusa Tenggara, a major step towards the welfare of the local community has officially begun. The launch of the Rote Welfare Foundation, along with the soft opening of Nihi Rote and the presence of the Rote Hospitality Academy, is a tangible symbol of how investment can go hand in hand with social concern and environmental preservation.

Behind the grandeur of the resort that now stands, there is a long journey full of vision. Founder and President Commissioner of PT. Bo'a Development, Panji Adhikumoro Soeharto, recalls the beginning of the discovery of the location more than a decade ago.

"Since the first time we saw this land 15 years ago, we knew that we had found something really special," said Panji Adhikumoro Soeharto in his remarks.

He recounted how in 2011 he and a number of his colleagues were invited to explore Rote until they finally arrived at Bo'a Beach, which was then still natural and had not been touched by development.

From admiration, a big dream was born, namely to build one of the best resorts in the world, without sacrificing nature and the surrounding community. Since construction began in 2012, the area which was originally barren has now transformed into a green ecosystem, with more than 1.6 million plants planted and the development of a nursery which is now one of the largest in NTT.

But more than just a tourist destination, Nihi Rote is present as a growing space for the community. Through the Rote Hospitality Academy, local young people have access to free education and job training.

This program not only focuses on the hospitality industry, but has also produced a number of other experts who are ready to serve in their areas.

"We are strongly committed to preserving the authenticity of local culture and empowering the younger generation through free job training," said Panji.

"This resort is a home, not only for guests, but also for a better future for the community, flora and fauna on this island," he continued.

This commitment is also strengthened by the launch of the Rote Peduli Welfare Foundation which is the umbrella for various social initiatives, ranging from education to wildlife conservation, including the protection of endangered hawksbills.

The presence of this project also received appreciation from the Chairman of Commission IV of the Indonesian House of Representatives, Titiek Soeharto, who was present directly at the event. He was even invited to sign the soft opening inscription.

"It is truly an honor for me to be here, to witness this extraordinary beautiful resort. I appreciate the existence of this hospitality academy. Hopefully it can produce and graduate local sons and daughters, as well as improve the welfare of the community. Hopefully Rote Island will be better known internationally," said Titiek Soeharto.

The event was also attended by a number of figures, including members of Commission IV of the Indonesian Parliament, Alien Mus and Rajiv, as well as other Nihi Rote founders. More than just physical development, Nihi Rote and Rote Hospitality Academy are examples of how an island can be built with a sustainable and human-oriented approach.

Hopefully, this initiative will be able to catalyze change, open up opportunities, and bring a more prosperous future for the people of Rote and its surroundings.