NTB Boosts Halal Tourism, Airport Excellence, and Rinjani Trail Safety

TheIndonesia.co - The West Nusa Tenggara (NTB) government is making significant strides in elevating its tourism appeal through halal tourism development, airport service excellence, and infrastructure improvements in natural attractions.

The Mataram City Government has begun pioneering the transformation of Ampenan Beach, the site of the former Ampenan Port, into a halal tourism destination. According to HM Ramadhani, Head of the City Office for Industry, Cooperatives, and Small-Medium Enterprises (Disprinkop UKM), the initial focus is on ensuring that all street food vendors in the area serve halal-certified culinary offerings.

“We aim to facilitate halal certification for every food stall at the former Ampenan Port. This label will guarantee that the entire area is a halal culinary tourism destination,” he said on Saturday in Mataram, according to Antara News Agency.

This certification process will involve coordination with the Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI) and certification bodies from Nahdlatul Ulama University (UNU). Ramadhani emphasized that the initiative isn't solely about food—it’s a complete branding effort to create a halal-friendly environment, including amenities like prayer rooms and hygienic restrooms.

Additionally, vendors are encouraged to produce and sell homemade goods rather than packaged snacks to boost economic impact.

“Selling their own products, such as handmade cakes, yields greater profits and adds unique value,” he added. Many current stalls offer mass-produced items with limited economic return.

In another major achievement for NTB, Lombok International Airport has been awarded the top-tier Prima Utama designation in the Ministry of Transportation’s 2024 Public Service Unit Awards for the transportation sector. The recognition honors outstanding service delivery and operational excellence.

“This award from the Ministry of Transportation is an acknowledgment of our commitment to providing excellent service to all airport users,” said Stephanus Millyas Wardana, General Manager of Zainuddin Abdul Madjid International Airport.

The Prima Utama is the highest accolade in this biennial award, which also honored Bali’s I Gusti Ngurah Rai Airport and Yogyakarta International Airport in the same category. Lombok Airport had previously earned Prima Madya in 2014, 2016, and 2018, and Prima Pratama in 2021–2022. In February 2025, it was also named “The Most Improved Airport” for facilities handling under 5 million passengers annually at the InJourney Innovation Awards.

The evaluation was conducted by an independent team comprising representatives from the Ministry of Administrative and Bureaucratic Reform, the Indonesian Ombudsman, consumer foundations, academics, transportation experts, and journalists. It covered six key areas: service policy, human resource professionalism, infrastructure, information systems, complaint handling, and service innovation.

Meanwhile, in the natural highlands of NTB, the Mount Rinjani National Park Authority (TNGR) has initiated maintenance work on the Torean hiking trail to improve safety and comfort for climbers. Known as the "Jurassic Park" of Rinjani, the Torean route is famed for its lush, pristine beauty but presents difficult terrain that requires special attention.

“Today, our team began work by widening the trail in the Banyu Urip area, cutting rocks, and constructing steps near the lower rope section,” said Yarman, Head of TNGR.

Despite rainy weather and high foot traffic, the trail crew, now expanded to 17 personnel, remains dedicated to improving the path. Their work includes repairing rope grip clamps, building a wooden bridge over the Kokok Putih stream, and installing stairs on its upper banks.

These efforts are part of a broader commitment to safety and sustainable ecotourism. Hikers are urged to remain vigilant during treks, especially while improvements are ongoing. TNGR also continues its push for a “Go Rinjani Zero Waste 2025” initiative, encouraging visitors to preserve the mountain's ecosystem by properly disposing of waste.

Through these multifaceted initiatives—from halal culinary development and award-winning airport services to eco-conscious trail upgrades—West Nusa Tenggara is demonstrating a comprehensive vision for inclusive, sustainable, and high-quality tourism.