Desa Hijau Bilebante, Lombok Tengah: Runner-Up Desa Wisata Terbaik Dunia 2023 Versi UNWTO

Summary

Bile Bante, a village on Lombok Island, Indonesia, has transformed from a sand mining hub into a thriving green tourism destination. Celebrated for its sustainable practices, the village embraces eco-tourism by integrating environmental conservation with local culture. Visitors are immersed in Sasak traditions, including the Peresean martial arts dance, and enjoy local delicacies. The village also leads in waste management and renewable energy, turning waste into valuable resources like biogas. Bile Bante’s journey highlights the power of community collaboration in building a sustainable future, offering inspiration for other rural areas to combine tourism with environmental stewardship.

Takeaways

• 😀 Bile Bante village in Lombok, Indonesia, has transformed from a sand mining community to a model of sustainable tourism with the Green Tourism Village initiative.
• 😀 The village's success story was made possible through collaboration between local residents, the Indonesian government, and international organizations like Bappenas and Germany’s JIZ program.
• 😀 Bile Bante was officially inaugurated as a Green Tourism Village in 2016, emphasizing environmental sustainability and cultural preservation.
• 😀 The village offers a rich cultural experience, including the traditional 'Peresean' dance, which showcases Sasak martial arts and is a historical form of defense against invaders.
• 😀 Local practices in Bile Bante promote environmental sustainability, such as organic farming, waste management, and the use of biogas from household and livestock waste.
• 😀 The village’s transformation highlights the positive impact of responsible tourism, which has improved the local economy and reduced the need for labor migration abroad.
• 😀 Bile Bante's tourism model is based on community involvement, where every member plays a role in preserving the environment and fostering cultural heritage.
• 😀 The village celebrates religious harmony, with both Muslim and Hindu communities coexisting peacefully, respecting each other’s rituals and festivals.
• 😀 The introduction of green tourism has provided new job opportunities, improved local livelihoods, and created a sustainable, environmentally friendly travel experience.
• 😀 Bile Bante's story serves as an inspiring example for other villages, demonstrating that sustainable tourism can drive both cultural preservation and economic growth.

Q & A

What is the main focus of Desa Bile Bante's transformation?

Desa Bile Bante transitioned from a sand mining village to a green tourism destination, focusing on sustainable practices, community engagement, and eco-tourism to improve local livelihoods while preserving the environment.

How did the villagers in Desa Bile Bante adapt to sustainable tourism?

The villagers shifted from sand mining, which was their primary livelihood, to sustainable tourism. This transition was supported by government initiatives and partnerships with international organizations like Bappenas and the German government.

What is 'Peresean' and why is it significant in the village?

'Peresean' is a traditional Sasak martial arts dance involving two men using rattan sticks and cowhide shields. It is significant in Desa Bile Bante as part of their cultural heritage and is also used in rituals to invoke rain.

What are some traditional foods offered in Desa Bile Bante?

The village offers traditional foods such as herbal drinks like 'mula gate', the spicy 'plecing kangkung' (water spinach salad), 'be-balung' (soup), and savory shrimp dishes. These foods reflect the local culinary traditions and offer a unique experience for visitors.

How does Desa Bile Bante practice environmental sustainability?

The village engages in practices like composting, waste management, and using biogas created from organic waste, including household waste and cow manure, to generate energy and liquid fertilizer. This sustainable approach contributes to environmental preservation.

What role does the local community play in maintaining sustainability in Desa Bile Bante?

The local community is central to maintaining sustainability. They have been actively involved in the creation of eco-tourism and environmental management practices, working together to ensure that the village's growth benefits both the environment and the economy.

What recognition did Desa Bile Bante receive in 2023?

In 2023, Desa Bile Bante was named the runner-up for the title of 'Best Green Village' by the UNWTO for its sustainable tourism practices and environmental stewardship.

How does Desa Bile Bante promote interfaith harmony?

The village promotes interfaith harmony by ensuring that Hindu and Muslim residents live together peacefully, respecting each other's religious practices, such as the observance of Nyepi (Hindu Day of Silence) and other religious activities.

What is the impact of eco-tourism on the local economy in Desa Bile Bante?

Eco-tourism has provided new job opportunities for the villagers, reducing reliance on overseas labor and improving the local economy by promoting sustainable tourism while preserving the environment.

How can other villages learn from Desa Bile Bante’s success?

Other villages can learn from Desa Bile Bante's success by adopting a sustainable tourism model, involving the local community in decision-making, and creating environmentally friendly practices that foster both economic growth and environmental protection.