Lombok is at the centre of an Islamic tourism drive in Indonesia, which has the world’s biggest Muslim population and is hoping to boost the number of visitors from wealthy Middle Eastern countries.
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Pilgrims gather around a huge tree at a historic Islamic shrine in Loang Baloq on the island of Lombok. Sonny Tumbelaka/AFP Photo -
Authorities are planning to build a huge Islamic centre that will contain a mosque, a hotel and a study centre, and specially trained tour guides will point Muslim visitors in the direction of the nearest mosque at prayer time. Sonny Tumbelaka/AFP Photo -
The government has produced tourist guides promoting Indonesia as a 'Muslim friendly destination'. Sonny Tumbelaka/AFP Photo -
It highlights the country’s best 'sharia' tourism destinations, such as this historic Islamic shrine in Loang Baloq. Sonny Tumbelaka/AFP Photo -
In Lombok, hotels are also promoting themselves as Islamic, with nine so far having gained coveted sharia certification. Sonny Tumbelaka/AFP Photo -
Despite the optimism of officials, there are concerns that the push for Islamic tourism could put off other visitors who want to sunbathe in skimpy outfits and relax on the beach with a drink. Sonny Tumbelaka/AFP Photo -
But the local government insists it can promote sharia tourism without affecting the existing industry, and that party hotspots in the area will remain unaffected. Sonny Tumbelaka/AFP Photo -
Only around 190,000 Middle Eastern visitors came to Indonesia in 2013, according to official figures, but authorities hope their Islamic tourism drive can increase numbers. Sonny Tumbelaka/AFP Photo -
‘The economic growth of Middle Eastern countries is very good and we see an opportunity there,’ senior tourism ministry official Rizki Handayani said. Sonny Tumbelaka/AFP Photo
Indonesia’s Lombok island, home to a thousand mosques - in pictures
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