ER
THE MINISTRY of Tourism is fostering business recovery by providing aid to the community of Sade Hamlet, Central Lombok, West Nusa Tenggara (NTB), following a fire incident on Saturday (August 22).
Tourism Minister, Widiyanti Putri Wardhana stated that post-fire recovery cannot focus solely on rebuilding the affected structures; the community’s lives and livelihoods must also be restored promptly.
“The physical structures of Sade are being rebuilt through a strong spirit of *gotong royong* (mutual cooperation). However, at the same time, the community’s economy must keep moving. Therefore, we are directing the Ministry of Tourism’s aid primarily to help residents return to work, resume production, and earn an income again,” said Tourism Minister Widiyanti Putri Wardhana in an official ministry statement received on Thursday (10/01), 2026.
The Ministry of Tourism’s aid package includes 15 gedogan (traditional backstrap) weaving looms valued at IDR52.5 million, working capital for 69 Micro Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) totaling IDR517.5 million, 70 packages of weaving raw materials valued at IDR 140 million, and 43 packages of non-weaving craft tools valued at IDR107.5 million. The total value of business and work equipment aid amounts to IDR817.5 million.
Support is also being provided to strengthen the capacity of local guides, particularly regarding safety, information dissemination during the reconstruction process, and tourism services.
The Ministry of Tourism is also supporting the promotion and relaunch of Sade’s tourism activities during and after reconstruction, the creation of product catalogs, the strengthening of branding for Sade products, and digital marketing efforts. The total value of this support is IDR 1 billion.
Widiyanti hopes this aid will serve as a bridge between the emergency response phase, the reconstruction phase, and the revival of economic and tourism activities in Sade.
“We want Sade to come back to life, welcome tourists again, and once more serve as a place where the community earns a livelihood. But most importantly, Sade must rise again without losing its character and identity,” Widiyanti affirmed.
Meanwhile, Lalu Faozal, the Assistant for Economy and Development for the West Nusa Tenggara (NTB) Provincial Government, stated that the reconstruction process for Sade has begun, incorporating directives issued by the Minister of Tourism during the first coordination meeting following the fire.
Key aspects being addressed in the reconstruction include the availability of firefighting equipment, the installation of underground electrical wiring, and improvements to sanitation and drainage systems.
These measures aim to ensure that Sade is not merely restored to its former state but becomes more resilient to disaster risks, all while preserving its cultural character and identity.
This recovery effort builds upon coordination initiated by the government in late August 2026. During a visit to Sade on August 27, 2026, the Minister of Tourism personally inspected the affected area and engaged in dialogue with the local community.
Local authorities have also emphasized that the recovery process is being carried out with a commitment to preserving the cultural character of the Sasak people.
Likewise, the Head of Sade Hamlet, Endap, noted that consultations among affected residents have resulted in a shared commitment to use the reconstruction momentum to build a better Sade.
According to him, a “better Sade” implies not only safer physical structures but also improved destination management, ensuring that Sade remains both a living space for the community and a sustainable cultural tourism destination.
Sanah Ardinata, Head of the Sade Hamlet Tourism Awareness Group (Pokdarwis), expressed appreciation to the Minister of Tourism for the attention shown from the onset of the disaster through to the current stage of community economic recovery.
“The Minister was the first central government official to arrive with full attention and discuss Sade’s future. We were already happy just knowing we had the government’s attention. Today, we are receiving further assistance to help us resume our livelihoods and revitalize the local economy. Our happiness has only grown. Matur Agung Tampi Asi [thank you very much],” Sanah added.
The restoration of Sade is a collaborative effort involving the central government, local government, the indigenous community, and various partners. The government ensures that the community plays a central role in the process while preserving cultural values, local wisdom, and the authenticity of traditional Sasak architecture. [traveltext.id]
