Transforming Kerujuk through Ecotourism

Lukmanul Hakim pioneered a movement to transform their neighborhood into an ecotourism destination.

Kompas/Khaerul Anwar

Lukmanul Hakim

The annual flooding and landslides that loom over Kerujuk hamlet in West Pemenang village, North Lombok, West Nusa Tenggara, worried Lukmanul Hakim, 29. He thus pioneered a movement that encouraged youth and other villagers to transform their neighborhood into an ecotourism destination. At first, many rejected his idea. Over time, however, they joined his initiative.

“It was difficult to make the local people understand, especially because they did not have a good impression of tourism. However, we worked hard and, eventually, they supported us,” Lukman said.