Mandalika Infrastructure Development Should Involve Local Communities

Jakarta, InfoPublik – House of Representatives Commission V Member Suryadi Jaya Purnama hoped that the development of Mandalika tourism area in West Nusa Tenggara (NTB) Province involve the surrounding community to create positive impact on the welfare of the people.

"We don’t want local people just become spectators and get nothing from the development," Suryadi said through a press release on Wednesday (4/12).

The tourism area development will increase employment opportunities in the area. The impact will be significant on the economic condition of the community. Active participation in the development will lead to people’s better status.

"The community should be actively involved in the development stages," he added.

In addition, the community should also be involved in the management of this area. Therefore, one of the measures needed would be improving their readiness when dealing with tourists by providing tourism training and education. Related to that matter, the NTB Provincial Government and the central government had initiated the development of a tourism school.

"Another way to involve local communities in the development of new tourism area is by providing spaces or dedicated areas for local people to sell handicrafts and local products they produced," he concluded. (Reporter: Tri Antoro, Translator: Erik Limantara)