TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - There is an unusual type of tourism touted as dark tourism. The dark tourism has been defined as tourism involving traveling to places historically associated with death and tragedy. Instead of celebrating a specific tragedy in the location where it happened, this type of tourism can serve as a memoir and help educate visitors of the ‘dark’ times these places have become witness to.

From that definition, Indonesia is home to locations where - unfortunately - tragedies have taken place, and many would not immediately associate with tourism. One example is the traditional burial ceremony Rambu Solo’ in Tana Toraja, South Sulawesi which was aired in a Netflix show entitled the ‘Dark Tourist; in 2012.

Citing the official website of the Indonesian Tourism and Creative Economy Ministry, here are three potential places to develop this type of tourism:

Lubang Buaya Museum in East Jakarta

Lubang Buaya Museum.

The first destination is Lubang Buaya, which is arguably quite legendary after it silently witnessed the murder of seven national revolution heroes in the dark day known as the G30S PKI. One of the iconic places in this museum is the ancient well (crocodile pit, which the museum’s name was derived from) that was used to dispose of the bodies of the seven men.

Bali Bombing Memorial

In the 2000s, Indonesians and the international community were shocked by the terrorist bombing in the Islands of the Gods, Bali, that killed over 200 people from all walks of life and nationalities. Since then, a monument has been established which showcases the names of the victims and is the site for annual gatherings from victims’ relatives they sadly left behind.

Aceh Tsunami Memorial

Aceh Tsunami Museum

The year 2004 marked the devastating natural disaster that struck the semi-autonomous province of Aceh. It started with the frightening magnitude 9 earthquake and was followed by the major tsunami that struck Aceh’s coastal regions and killed over 200,000 people on the fateful day. The memorial site was established in 2009. It features a large room with walls that have the names of the victims who perished during the Boxing Day Tsunami.

NAOMY A. NUGRAHENI