The Jakarta Post
Leap of faith: A youth leaps over a massive stone column in Bawomataluo village, South Nias regency, North Sumatra, on July 25, 2017 as residents celebrate the 14th anniversary of the regency. The stone-jumping tradition, which is unique to the regency, is seen as a barometer for a boy shaping up for maturity.(JP/Nurni Sulaiman)Pristine beaches and seas most suitable for surfing, a close-knit community of the same race but different dialects, showcasing richness in culture and the iconic hombo batu (stone jumping).The aforementioned describes Nias Island, North Sumatra, 120 kilometers west of Sumatra and the largest of a group of more than a hundred islands forming the Nias Island archipelago, which may well become “the new Bali” as the government has its sights set on transforming the region into an international tourist destination.Coordinating Maritime Affairs Minister Luhut Pandj...