It’s that time of the year again, when Muslims across the nation begin their month of fasting. Indonesia is the world’s most populous Islamic nation and therefore, Ramadan or Bulan Puasa (the fasting month) affects the majority of people living in this vast archipelago.
This year, for the first time in 31 years, Ramadan falls in August, which also coincides with the tourism “high season”. July and August, the time of the summer holidays in Europe, is traditionally the busiest time of the year for the tourism industry, particularly in Bali and Lombok. Many observers and business owners have been speculating on what affect, if any, the start of Ramadan will have on tourism on the islands, especially in Lombok where the majority of the Sasak people are Muslim.
Since mid-July this year, Lombok has been experiencing one of its busiest high seasons in history. Many hotels in Senggigi and the Gili islands are reporting occupancy rates of between 95% and 100% and the streets, restaurants and bars are overflowing with tourists enjoying the sunny weather and laid-back charm of the island. Will it all change as the local people begin their fasting month?
For the people of Lombok working in the tourism industry, the answer is “no”! Everyone, from watch sellers on the streets, to waiters in the restaurants, to General Managers of the hotels are enjoying the rush of the high season and collectively holding their breaths to see what effect Ramadan will have on tourist numbers.
The question is “why should Ramadan bring a halt to tourism in Lombok”? The answer is not simple, but lies in a number of factors. Firstly there’s no avoiding the fact that the image of Islam throughout the world has been tarnished by fanatics and terrorists masquerading as “Muslim warriors” over the past decade. The bombings in Bali brought the danger of these warped perverters of one of the world’s great religions closer to home. Yet, most of Indonesia is Islamic and that doesn’t stop the flow of tourism throughout Jogjakarta, Jakarta, Lombok, Bandung and other major tourist centres during the rest of the year.
Muslims in Lombok would argue that they practice a very moderate form of Islam and both condemn and vilify the actions of terrorists. Indeed, the traditional culture of the indigenous Sasak people is one of modesty (many are very shy) and of hospitality to guests. During Ramadan in particular, which is a time of kindness and the deliberate moderation of actions and emotions, visitors are more likely to be invited into homes to buka puasa (break the fast) in the evening and to be shown more kindness and courtesy than at any other time in the year.
The second major factor is the deliberate propaganda by those with vested interests in keeping tourists away from Lombok. In the past, many Balinese have been instrumental in spreading warnings to tourists to keep away from Lombok, telling them that none of the restaurants are open because everyone is fasting or that no taxis are available, because the drivers are all fasting and not working. It’s understandable that some in the Bali tourism industry see the beauty and potential of Lombok as a threat and therefore work to keep the tourists in Bali. It also makes sense that many Hindu Balinese know nothing of the Muslim religion and naively believe these things to be true.
The truth is, whether during Ramadan or at any other time of the year, the Lombok people are Indonesian… friendly, enthusiastic about their island and culture, curious about visitors, and working hard to build their tourism industry.
Particularly in the midst of one of their best high seasons ever, no one wants to see their personal beliefs have a negative effect on their livelihoods and their futures. Although many of the people working in the hotels and restaurants may be fasting during this time, they are fully aware and accepting of the fact that their guests are not. They are more than happy to see the tables in restaurants full and if you want a Bintang for breakfast, you’ll be served one with a smile, for two simple reasons: your business keeps them employed and being busy helps keep their minds off the fact they are fasting!
So, if you have been thinking of a holiday in Lombok but the thought of Ramadan is making you hesitate, wait no longer! At this time of the year, the days are sunny and warm, the nights are cool and clear, and the natural scenery of the beaches and mountains is at its stunning best. The restaurants are all open, the hotels are waiting and there are plenty of taxis and drivers ready to take you wherever you want to go. And if some friendly local invites you to buka puasa with the family, grab the chance to eat some delicious local food and experience some of the warm Sasak hospitality!
