The Natuna Regency announced plans to build new “tourism villages” throughout the archipelago. These villages would be designed around the principles of ecotourism – travel prioritizing the environment and the host culture.

“We hope Natuna can attract more tourists or visitors,” said Ryannaldo Noorhidayat, a state representative with Natuna’s local government. “Furthermore, we expect tourism in Natuna will be better known, not only for its nature, but [we] can also introduce its culture.”

Natuna already has several tourist villages, like the Mekar Jaya Village in West Bunguran District, ready to be developed further through collaboration with investors.

Building these tourist villages will create jobs and increase new business fields, which in turn accelerate local economic growth.

Apart from attracting tourists, the Natuna government hopes the villages will make the rich local culture and biodiversity famous to foreign countries as an integral part of Indonesia’s cultural and economic identity.

“Through the Tourism Office, the government often conducts training for [local residents] to promote regional tourism,” said Noorhidayat. “The training provides homestay management, tourist attraction management, hygienic culinary, tourism promotion, etc.

Locals are enthusiastic about the project and excited to share their culture with the rest of the world. This development is an amazing opportunity not just for those on the islands, but for all potential visitors looking to explore the beauty of the Natuna and its people.