T

he West Nusa Tenggara administration together with Eco Regions Indonesia (ERI) is looking to develop the Alas Strait special economic zone located between Lombok and Sumbawa into an ecotourism area in accordance with international standards, which adhere to green development principles.

The area of nearly 400 hectares includes the province’s iconic Pink Beach in Jerowaru district, East Lombok regency, and several smaller islands in West Sumbawa regency.

“The development concept is green development that is environmentally friendly,” ERI president director Felia Salim said after a meeting with West Nusa Tenggara Governor Muhammad Zainil Majdi on Thursday.

Investment for the ecotourism project amounts to US$70 million over the next seven years, she said. Through the company’s subsidiary Eco Solution Lombok (ESL), ERI is currently developing an ecoregion in Tanjung Ringgit, where Pink Beach is located. The Tanjung Ringgit Ecoregion will also include protected forests and production forests.

The company, which was established in 2011 in Mataram, is also developing the Eight Islands Ecoregion in West Sumbawa, which encompasses eight pristine islands sitting on a forest of coral, surrounded by crystal clear water perfect for water sports.

ERI has been working with the local government, communities and permaculture, farming and fishing experts to determine the best sustainable agricultural and fisheries strategy, according to its official website.

Felia said ERI acquired an environmental services use permit (IUPJL) for 380 hectares in the Tanjung Ringgit area. For the development, ERI vowed to leave a low development footprint, eyeing use of 10 percent of the area for development, with the remaining 90 percent to be designated for ecotourism activities, forestry, farming and preservation of biodiversity with the involvement of local communities.

The ESL also forged a cooperation with the East Rinjani Forest Management Unit to preserve the forests and improve forest facilities.

A Qatar-based company expressed interest in building an international-standard hospital in Tanjung Ringgit. There would be further talks in September with the company regarding cooperation, Felia said.

She also expressed hope for the West Nusa Tenggara administration’s support in handling illegal permits in protected forest areas.

Governor Zainul Majdi welcomed the development plan for the Alas Strait and aims to settle the permits’ overlapping land claims through the legal process.