Gili Air, one of the iconic three Gili islands, recently hosted the national ‘Gerakan Wisata Bersih’ (GWB), or ‘Clean Tourism Movement,’ initiated by Indonesia’s Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy (Kemenparekraf). This program aims to strengthen sustainable tourism practices and educate local communities about the importance of preserving their natural environment for long-term economic prosperity.
For Slow Villas & Spa, this movement perfectly aligns with its core philosophy of slow living – where relaxation, meaningful experiences, and a deep connection with nature take center stage. Being part of this island community, Slow Villa is committed to supporting initiatives that create a positive impact on the environment and the lives of the people who call Gili Air home.
Preserving Natural Beauty and Local Culture
As highlighted by the Head of the NTB Tourism Office, Jamaludin, this initiative reflects the province’s vision of a ‘Prosperous and Global NTB.’ According to recent international travel surveys, Lombok has been recognized as the world’s top travel destination. However, with this recognition comes a responsibility to maintain the region’s natural beauty and ensure effective waste management.
One of the significant steps taken is the ban on single-use plastic bottles in key tourist areas, including Gili, following the successful implementation of similar measures at Mount Rinjani. This reflects a broader commitment to reducing plastic waste, which can be especially challenging in small island ecosystems.
Community Collaboration for a Cleaner Future
The Clean Tourism Movement is not just about a single event – it’s a call for long-term, collaborative action involving all tourism stakeholders, from resort owners and dive operators to small businesses, local guides, and beachside cafes. This collective effort is essential for creating a cleaner, healthier environment that benefits both residents and visitors.
Haryanto, Deputy for Destination and Infrastructure at Kemenparekraf, emphasized that sustainable tourism must become a deeply ingrained cultural value, not just a marketing slogan. ‘It’s not enough to promote beautiful destinations. True sustainability starts with awareness and consistent action to keep our environments clean,’ he remarked.
Educating the Next Generation
One of the most inspiring aspects of this movement is the involvement of local students from Gili Air. Educating the younger generation about environmental stewardship ensures that the values of sustainability are passed on, creating long-term impacts. This is particularly important given that 60-70% of the local economy in Gili relies directly on tourism.
Engaging students in this effort helps foster a culture of responsibility and care for their island, creating a new generation of environmentally conscious leaders who understand the importance of preserving the natural beauty of their home.
Quality Tourism with a Slow Living Philosophy
For Slow Villas & Spa, participating in the Clean Tourism Movement is not just about cleaning up the environment, but about reinforcing a commitment to high-quality, responsible tourism that respects local culture and the natural world. This approach is at the heart of the slow living philosophy – encouraging visitors to savor the moment, appreciate the natural beauty around them, and leave a positive footprint on the places they explore.
Creating a Legacy of Sustainable Tourism
As a key part of the Gili Air community, Slow Villa hopes to inspire other tourism businesses to adopt similar practices, making clean tourism a permanent part of the island’s identity. Together with other tourism stakeholders, local businesses, and the next generation of Gili Air residents, we can create a destination that is not just beautiful to visit, but also a healthy and vibrant place to live.
Let’s keep our beloved Gili clean, making it a destination that shines not just for its beauty, but for the care and respect shown by those who live and visit here.