Tourism ministry supports sustainable marine tourism, investment, and regional economic growth in Sumbawa.
Indonesia’s Tourism Ministry has reaffirmed its commitment to developing the Samota Special Economic Zone (SEZ) in Sumbawa, West Nusa Tenggara, into a world-class marine tourism destination to drive sustainable economic growth.
Indonesia’s Deputy Tourism Minister Ni Luh Puspa described the Samota SEZ as a strategic national tourism asset that combines marine attractions, conservation areas, and local cultural heritage within an integrated tourism ecosystem. Speaking during a meeting on July 24, she said the ministry will continue improving the investment climate by streamlining licensing procedures, upgrading tourism infrastructure, strengthening the tourism workforce, and promoting the SEZ to investors.
The Indonesian government envisions the Samota SEZ as a catalyst for the blue, green, circular, and creative economies. Beyond tourism, the development is expected to strengthen fisheries, micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), livestock farming, and agro-industry, creating a more integrated regional economy.
Ms. Puspa also highlighted the area’s accessibility through Indonesia’s Sultan Muhammad Kaharuddin Airport and Pototano Port, which strengthen connectivity between Sumbawa and Lombok and serve as key gateways for domestic and international visitors. The ministry expects improved connectivity to help attract more visitors and investment.
The initiative builds on positive tourism momentum in West Nusa Tenggara. Between January and October 2025, Sumbawa and Dompu districts welcomed more than one million visitors combined. The ministry also expects the Samota SEZ to attract more international travelers arriving through Indonesia’s Zainuddin Abdul Madjid International Airport in Lombok, particularly from Malaysia, Singapore, China, the United Kingdom, and France.
With continued government support, the Samota Special Economic Zone is expected to strengthen Sumbawa’s profile as a leading marine tourism destination while delivering lasting economic benefits for local communities across West Nusa Tenggara.
Source: ANTARA News
