Tourism Ministry Disburses Rp1 Billion to Restore Sade’s Economy

RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta – The Ministry of Tourism has provided Rp1 billion in business recovery assistance to residents of Sade Hamlet, Central Lombok, West Nusa Tenggara (NTB), who were affected by a fire on August 22, 2026. The assistance is aimed at restoring residents’ livelihoods while helping revive economic and tourism activities in the area.

Tourism Minister, Widiyanti Putri Wardhana, said post-fire recovery should not focus solely on rebuilding damaged structures, but also on ensuring that residents can return to work and earn an income.

“The physical structures in Sade are being rebuilt through a strong spirit of mutual cooperation. At the same time, the local economy must continue to move forward. Therefore, the Ministry of Tourism’s assistance is primarily aimed at helping residents return to work, resume production, and earn an income,” she said at a symbolic handover ceremony at the Sapta Pesona Building in Jakarta on Wednesday, September 30, 2026.

The business and equipment assistance includes 15 gedogan handlooms worth Rp52.5 million, working capital for 69 MSMEs worth Rp517.5 million, 70 packages of weaving raw materials worth Rp140 million, and 43 packages of non-weaving handicraft equipment worth Rp107.5 million. In addition to business assistance, the Ministry of Tourism is providing support to strengthen the capacity of local tour guides, promote and relaunch tourism activities in Sade, compile product catalogs, strengthen Sade product branding, and expand digital marketing.

The Minister said she hoped the support would serve as a bridge from the emergency response and reconstruction phases toward the recovery of economic and tourism activities in Sade.

“We want Sade to come alive again, welcome tourists again, and once again become a place where people can earn a living. Most importantly, Sade must recover without losing its character and identity,” she said.

Meanwhile, NTB Provincial Government Assistant for Economic and Development Affairs Lalu Faozal said the reconstruction of Sade had begun with a focus on safety and resilience. The reconstruction includes the provision of fire extinguishing equipment, underground electrical wiring, and improvements to sanitation and drainage systems.

Sade Hamlet Head Endap said affected residents were committed to using the reconstruction process to make Sade better, not only in terms of physical infrastructure but also destination management.

Sade Hamlet Tourism Awareness Group (Pokdarwis) Chairman Sanah Ardinata expressed appreciation for the government’s support, saying it would help residents resume their businesses and revive the local economy following the fire.

The recovery of Sade is being carried out through collaboration among the central government, local government, indigenous communities, and various partners while preserving cultural values, local wisdom, and the authenticity of traditional Sasak architecture.