KONTAN.CO.ID - West Sumbawa Regency, long known among surfers and adventure travelers, is now emerging as one of Indonesia’s most promising new tourism destinations. Located on the western tip of Sumbawa Island in West Nusa Tenggara, the region offers a rare combination of pristine beaches, scenic hills, vibrant local culture, and world-class waves, yet remains largely untouched by mainstream tourism.

A major development expected to support this growth is the opening of Kiantar Airport in Poto Tano. The local government views the airport as a vital connectivity hub that will significantly enhance access to the region.

“We believe now is the right time for West Sumbawa to grow,” said H. Amar Nurmansyah, S.T., M.Si, Regent of West Sumbawa. “We have incredible natural assets, beaches, hills, and a rich cultural heritage. While access has always been a challenge, with the new airport, it becomes much easier for travelers to visit. We’re aiming for gradual, sustainable tourism development that involves local communities. We also welcome investment that can boost the delivery of more equitable economic benefits.”

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Natural Beauty and Cultural Richness

What sets West Sumbawa apart is its unspoiled natural landscape and the authenticity of its local traditions. Beyond the famous waves of Sekongkang, the region offers even more hidden gems: the Gili Balu islands (a cluster of eight islands including the iconic Kenawa Island) and the promising coastal area of Kertasari, now gaining attention for diving and snorkeling with manta rays, perfect for trekkers, underwater explorers, and photography enthusiasts.

Infrastructure on the Rise

In line with its tourism development plans, the local government, together with private sector partners is actively improving core infrastructure. Road access, clean water systems, and environmentally friendly accommodations such as eco-villas and boutique resorts are steadily taking shape. This infrastructure growth is being carried out with a strong emphasis on environmental conservation and cultural preservation, aiming to balance better access with long-term sustainability.

Open to All Kinds of Travelers

West Sumbawa welcomes a wide range of visitors—from backpackers and families to those seeking luxury and comfort. With vast areas of undeveloped land, there remains enormous potential for building hotels, villas, dive centers, cultural tours, and conservation programs. These local initiatives are aligned with the national tourism strategy under Wonderful Indonesia, ensuring that development proceeds hand-in-hand with environmental stewardship.

Interest in West Sumbawa is steadily growing, among travel media, content creators, and prospective investors. A number of local villas and resorts have gained traction on social media. Visitor numbers remain relatively low, preserving the peaceful, natural atmosphere that makes the destination special.

“We don’t want West Sumbawa to grow too quickly or without direction,” added Regent Amar. “What we envision is a development model that honors nature, empowers communities, and delivers meaningful experiences for visitors.”

As Indonesia continues to expand its tourism landscape beyond Bali and Lombok, West Sumbawa stands out as a destination ready for the spotlight. With its unspoiled natural beauty, proactive local government, and improved accessibility via Kiantar Airport, West Sumbawa is well-positioned to become the next chapter in Indonesia’s sustainable tourism story.

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