T

he West Nusa Tenggara (NTB) provincial administration is gearing up for the annual Bau Nyale festival, which is set to take place on March 6-7 on Seger Beach in the Mandalika Special Economic Zone, Central Lombok.

The event, which is closely associated with the traditions of Lombok, is part of the Tourism Ministry’s priority list called “100 Wonderful Events 2018.”

“The Bau Nyale Festival is included because it is related to a local event that is unique and has the potential to draw tourists,” Esthy Reko Astuty, head of the ministry’s archipelago tourism marketing division, said on Thursday.

The festival is among 100 local events from 34 provinces to receive support from the central government due to its longevity. It has made a positive impact on the local people’s economy, Esthy added.

In support of the event, the Tourism Ministry allocated Rp 1.5 billion (US$112,800) for its promotion and marketing.

Central Lombok Tourism Office head Lalu Putria explained that during Bau Nyale tradition, residents collect sea worms that only appear once a year. According to local folklore, the colorful nyale sea worms are the reincarnation of a princess named Mandalika.