TEMPO.CO, Bandung - Minimum infrastructure did not halt Adi Gerimu’s determination to promote natural and cultural wonders of East Nusa Tenggara (NTT) to the wider world. The 40-year-old man from Alor island has built online community for two years to promote tourism in his hometown.

Adi Gerimu is the founder of Way2east.com, a website promoting tourism of the eastern part of Indonesia. In 2011 before running the website, the man who now domiciles in Jakarta initiated discussioon to hold 2013 Visit NTT but was not successful.

“From there, a community was built to discuss about tourist destinations and events. Local government and travel agents were then engaged,” said Adi who admitted he faced many challenges.

“Transportation is expensive, there is no satisfying air-conditioned bus and hotels, and residents were not ready to accept guests.”

Motivated by tourists’ testimonials about the wonderful natures in East Nusa Tenggara, Adi approached the Tourism Ministry to make his website official site to access information about tourism in NTT.

Some regions such as Ende and Labuan Bajo had been known among tourists but were second-option destinations after Bali and Lombok, said Adi. He then introduced other regions such as Lembata to 120 participants of 2014 Indonesia Adventure Festival.

“Nowadays, the local government is focusing on preparing location for tourist accommodations.”

Alor Island is one of regions in NTT promoted by Adi. The island shares sea borders with Timor Leste. Woven fabric crafts, bronze gendang (traditional percussion instrument), and old Al-qur’an from 1519 are among tourist attractions offered in Alor.

TEMPO