North Lombok | insightnusantara.com — Head of Bhayangkari North Lombok Branch, Mrs. Heny Agus Purwanta, emphasized the importance of maintaining the preservation of the Rebo Bontong tradition or the Safar Mandi ritual as the cultural identity of Gili as well as social capital in the development of sustainable tourism in North Lombok Regency.
"Rebo Bontong is our way as residents interpret nature as part of self-purification. We bathe in the sea to return to holiness, then the sea must be kept pure, must not be damaged. Purifying yourself means using holy water," said Mrs. Heny.
He emphasized, a series of traditions ranging from praying together, begibung (eating together), sailing miniature boats, to bathing in the sea is not just a ceremonial, but a symbol of solidarity, empathy, and togetherness. According to him, the people in preparing dishes, warm interaction with tourists, and togetherness in the sea reflect the power of high-value culture.
Further, Mrs. Heny emphasized that Bhayangkari not only plays a role in accompanying the National Police, but also becomes a social communication channel that supports government policies, especially in preserving culture and improving public welfare.
"Bhayangkari and all women's organizations have a strategic role in maintaining culture and social balance. I will not waste this opportunity to greet the community as well as participate in preserving the cultural heritage," he said.
He assessed, the determination of Rebo Bontong as KEN is a pride as well as a great opportunity that must be maintained with sustainable innovation. "Although this festival is able to boost hotel occupancy up to 100 percent, transformation and sustainability remain the key. The young generation must come with fresh ideas," he said.
Meanwhile, the Head of the Human Resources and Organization Bureau of the Ministry of Tourism of the Republic of Indonesia, Antonio Wasono Imam Prakoso, said that KEN is not just an annual event calendar, but a means to expand the tourism market and strengthen the community's economy.
"Gili Festival 2025 combines tradition, art, and conservation with the beauty of the three Gilis. With the theme of Feel the Sensation, Feel the Excitement, we want tourists to feel the same excitement as the local community. This event highlights equality, togetherness, and local wisdom," he said.
He emphasized, the development of tourism events must start from a unique selling point and creative innovation to become a strong attraction. "The Ministry fully supports the implementation of the Gili Festival for the achievement of the target of 16 million foreign tourists, 1.08 billion movement of archipelago tourists, and 25.8 million workers in the tourism sector by 2025," he explained.
The support is expressed through five superior programs: tourism digital transformation (tourism 5.0), clean tourism movement, strengthening gastronomy, development of merry and wellness tourism, as well as global events based on local culture and tourist villages.
At the end of her statement, Mrs. Heny emphasized the importance of balancing modernization with local wisdom in packing tradition. "Cultural preservation is the image of a wise local community as well as the social capital of tourism. Modernization is just a tool. If managed properly, the results can be maximized," he said.
"Happy is when we can make many people happy. Through cultural preservation such as Rebo Bontong, we realize happiness together that has a wide impact on the community," he concluded. (Wiswa)
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