Indonesia Promotes Tourism-Led Recovery in Tanah Datar

RRI.CO.ID, Tanah Datar - The Tanah Datar Regency Government is rolling out a series of tourism programs to support economic recovery following flash floods and landslides that struck the region in late November 2025. The initiatives are aimed at restoring community activity after months of disruption caused by the disaster.

As of early 2026, local authorities are preparing a mix of national-level and community-based events to revive the tourism sector while stimulating the regional economy. Tourism is being positioned as a strategic driver to accelerate post-disaster recovery in the regency.

Tanah Datar Regent Eka Putra, speaking Sunday, 25 January 2026, said the local administration would soon host several major events as part of the recovery effort. “We are preparing national-level events in the near term, including a horse racing event at Bukit Gombak, which is intended not only to boost tourism but also to support economic recovery,” he said.

The regent added that local cultural programs would also be activated across villages under the “one village, one event” initiative. “These local events will be mobilized as quickly as possible to involve communities directly in the recovery process,” Eka Putra conveyed.

One of the upcoming highlights is a horse racing event scheduled to take place at Bukit Gombak in early February 2026. The event is expected to attract visitors while generating economic activity for local residents affected by the disaster.

In addition to major events, the government is preparing the Manjalo Ikan Bilih program at Lake Singkarak, a traditional activity centered on netting bilih fish. The event combines cultural attractions with educational value, introducing visitors to bilih fish as an endemic species found only in the lake.

Eka Putra expressed optimism that the tourism agenda would help accelerate economic recovery for local communities. He said tourism could serve as a key engine for rebuilding livelihoods following flash floods and landslides.

In 2025, Tanah Datar recorded dozens of leading tourism destinations, with around 179 potential sites covering nature, culture, traditions, and culinary attractions across the region known as Luhak Nan Tuo. With this strong foundation, tourism has been positioned as a priority sector for regional growth, investment, and sustainable village development moving forward.