In the rolling hills of Mandalika, beyond the luxury resorts and surf-friendly beaches, a quieter voice is rising, a voice that has long been overlooked in the conversation. It belongs to the Sasak people, the Indigenous custodians of the land, who are seeking a place at the table in the tourism industry, not just on the receiving end of charity.

Domestic development programmes run by the government have transformed the Mandalika region of Lombok into a special economic zone. Driven by the promise of economic transition through tourism, roads were paved, resorts were built, and beachfronts were newly discovered. Yet, for several residents of Ebunud, Silak Hill, Petiwong, and Dondon, the promise of growth came hand in hand with the burden of exclusive access.

During a community research project, one local citizen told us, “I have no extended value in life after the development.” His words reflected a rising sentiment and carried a powerful message: growth has arrived, but opportunity has slipped away.

The designation of Mandalika as a Special Economic Zone has accelerated development by offering tax breaks and infrastructure incentives to major investors. However, it has also led to forced relocations and restricted access to ancestral lands for Sasak communities.

Region Transformation: But by Whom? 

Tourism has arrived in Mandalika, reshaping landscapes and livelihoods across entire communities. Traditional access to natural resources has been reduced, homes have been displaced, and the subsistence practices of fishing, weaving, and farming have been disrupted. These changes come under the banner of “development”, yet they primarily serve foreign investors rather than local people. 

Mandalika is rapidly becoming a hotspot for international tourists. Yet many Sasak families remain on the sidelines, struggling in precarious conditions while watching foreigners profit from their land and cultural heritage. 

A recent participatory needs assessment involving more than 50 residents from four villages revealed that over 80% of community members want to be directly involved in tourism. They are not only interested in working as employees but also in taking on roles as cultural ambassadors, small business operators, and guides. 

Culture, Resilience, and a Desire to Participate 

And yet, despite this disillusionment, hope remains and a clear call to action emerges. 

“Yes, involve me,” one community member said, “I want to share our weaving, pandan carpets, and coffee. Let me be part of it.” 

The island’s residents are eager to participate, offering everything from food-making and seafood grilling to weaving, storytelling, fishing, and pandan carpet creation. Through demonstrating traditional fishing techniques, teaching the weaving of kain tenun, and preparing local herbal drinks like jamue, Sasak villagers want to provide rich, hands-on experiences that invite tourists to connect with their living heritage rather than remain passive onlookers. Seasonal festivals like the Bau Nyale sea worm ritual further provide unique opportunities to strengthen this bond and reveal the island’s spiritual and ecological rhythms.  

Their vision is clear: a tourism model that not only reaches destinations but elevates them, celebrating culture while safeguarding it. 

Why Inclusive Tourism Matters

The motivations are clear. People seek stable income, meaningful work, and dignity. However, beyond economic needs lies something deeper, the right to define how their identity and culture are represented to the world. 

The voices of Sasak residents expressed deep concern about the implications of mass tourism. “We don’t want Lombok to be like Bali” was a frequent refrain from residents, reflecting worries about overtourism, cultural erosion, and rising living costs. 

“We’re not against tourism,” shared another resident. “We just want to be part of it, not pushed aside by it.” 

Instead, they envision a more sustainable path rooted in community tourism.. A model where locals co-create experiences, lead cultural tours, teach traditional skills, and benefit directly from tourism revenue. 

The Role of Travellers in Shaping a Fairer Future

Travellers have a powerful choice: to support tourism models that include, not exclude. 

Visitors to Lombok and Mandalika can choose experiences built on local leadership and cultural integrity, helping to ensure that tourism’s benefits are shared more fairly rather than allowing the people who create what’s unique about a place to be pushed aside in the name of progress. 

As visitor numbers continue to rise in Mandalika, so should our responsibility to travel with care. Sustainable travel in Indonesia must centre communities like the Sasak as the authors of their own story, not only as background scenery. 

At Fair Tourism Foundation, we work alongside communities to provide training, build capacity, and support locally led tourism initiatives. We believe that investing in grassroots solutions ensures tourism becomes a driver of empowerment rather than displacement.  Travellers have a powerful choice: to support tourism models that include, not exclude.  

 Travelling to Mandalika? 

Here's how you can support community tourism: 

• Choose tours and experiences led by local guides. 

• Buy directly from artisans and family-owned businesses. 

• Ask how your spending contributes to the local economy. 

• Stay in accommodation that follows ethical and inclusive practices.