Mataram, Indonesia – September 8, 2024
The University of Mataram (UNRAM) successfully hosted the Eco Tourism Summer Week in collaboration with Universiti Malaysia Terengganu (UMT), held from September 2 to 8, 2024. Five students from UMT participated in this enriching program, which was aimed at promoting eco-tourism and cultural immersion in Lombok. Accompanied by student buddies from UNRAM, the program ran smoothly, offering valuable insights into the natural and cultural beauty of Lombok.
Day 1: Faculty Visit and Forest Exploration
The program kicked off with a visit to the Faculty of Food Technology and Agroindustry, where participants learned about innovative student products. This was followed by an educational visit to the Environment and Forestry Indonesian Certification Institute (LHKI), and a trip to Sesaot Forest, where students explored forest conservation efforts.
Day 2: Cultural and Religious Exploration
The second day focused on the rich history and cultural diversity of Lombok. The group visited the Museum of West Nusa Tenggara to learn about the Sasak, Samawa, and Mbojo tribes, followed by a visit to the Islamic Center Mosque to gain insights into Islamic culture in Lombok. The day concluded with a tour of Taman Mayura, where students learned about the Hindu influence in Lombok and the island’s diversity.
Day 3: Beach and Tourism Observation
Participants visited Selong Belanak Beach, one of Lombok’s key tourism destinations, noted for its promotion of halal tourism. They also explored Kuta Mandalika Beach, a favorite tourist spot, and climbed Bukit Seger to witness the Mandalika Circuit and enjoy the breathtaking sunset.
Day 4: Waterfall Adventures
The fourth day took the group on an exciting hike to two waterfalls, Benang Setokel and Benang Kelambu, in Central Lombok, offering a closer look at Lombok’s natural beauty and eco-tourism potential.
Day 5: Marine Life and Scenic Views
The students explored Pantai Nipah, where they learned about sea turtle conservation efforts. This was followed by a relaxing visit to Pantai Sire, providing them with a scenic view of Lombok’s coastal charm.
Day 6: Cultural Immersion and Farewell
On the final day, participants visited Desa Sukarara, renowned for its traditional Sasak weaving and songket craftsmanship. The last stop was Desa Sade, where they learned about the Sasak people’s history, including the Merarik marriage tradition and the unique Wetu Telu belief system. The program concluded with a journey to the airport as the participants bid farewell to Lombok, enriched with new experiences and knowledge.
This program showcased Lombok’s commitment to eco-tourism, cultural diversity, and sustainable tourism development. Both UNRAM and UMT expressed hopes for continued collaboration in promoting cross-cultural exchange and environmental awareness.
