Sade Fire Prompts New Cultural Tourism Options for MotoGP Tourists

RRI.CO.ID, Mataram - Tourists visiting Lombok during the 2026 Mandalika MotoGP will have several cultural tourism options beyond the Sade Traditional Village.

The West Nusa Tenggara (NTB) Provincial Administration is preparing four alternative cultural destinations: Ende Traditional Village, Bayan Traditional Village, Sukarara Weaving Village, and Pringgasela Traditional Village.

The provincial administration is preparing these alternative destinations after a fire on August 22, 2026, at Sade Traditional Village in Central Lombok destroyed all traditional houses in the area.

NTB Head of the Culture Agency, Muhamad Ihwan, said the provincial administration will coordinate with managers and cultural communities at the four destinations to ensure they are ready to welcome tourists.

“We need to quickly prepare these destinations so they are ready to accommodate the influx of tourists,” Ihwan said after inspecting the fire site at Sade Traditional Village on Sunday, August 23, 2026, as quoted by Antara.

Ende Traditional Village offers insights into the daily life and traditions of the Sasak people, while Sukarara Weaving Village allows tourists to observe Lombok’s renowned weaving traditions. Bayan Traditional Village and Pringgasela Traditional Village also provide cultural tourism experiences rooted in local community traditions.

The NTB administration believes preparations must be accelerated, as the Mandalika MotoGP event, scheduled for October 9–11, 2026, is expected to increase tourist arrivals from various regions and abroad.

“We will be coordinating with these locations in the near future,” Ihwan said.

While preparing alternative destinations, the regional administration has also begun discussing the revitalization of Sade Traditional Village.

NTB Deputy Governor Indah Damayanti Putri said revitalization requires consultation with traditional leaders to ensure reconstruction preserves cultural values and community character.

“Revitalizing Sade Village requires sitting down together, as it needs input and information from traditional leaders,” Indah said.

Sade Traditional Village has long been known as one of Lombok’s premier cultural destinations. Established in the 16th century and passed down through 15 generations, Sade is a favorite among domestic and international tourists, including spectators attending the Mandalika MotoGP.

With a target of 145,000 spectators for the 2026 Mandalika MotoGP -- an increase from the 140,324 recorded the previous year -- the availability of alternative destinations is considered crucial for maintaining cultural tourism options for visitors.

The four destinations prepared by the provincial administration have the potential to serve as cultural tourism spots while Sade undergoes restoration. This ensures cultural tourism activities in Lombok can continue while giving the indigenous community of Sade sufficient time to prepare for revitalization. ***