OPENS TOURISM INFORMATION CENTER, MEKKO HAMLET DEVELOPS CONSERVATION-BASED MARINE TOURISM
By: Nisa Syahidah (Communication, Sunda Banda Seascape, WWF-Indonesia)
"In the morning, Mekko beach looks alive
Here and there, you can see the sails of boats unfurled
Emerging atmosphere of the beach, which is calm and not choppy.
Labor after labor of people working during the day
When it's afternoon, it's a treat to watch the scenery around Pasir Putih, Twin Islands, colorful coral reefs
Even more so if you like to walk to Bat Island, with its beautiful bamboo trees."
Khadijah, a hooded girl who is in the second grade of Madrasah Tsanawiyah in Pledo Village, read a poem she wrote herself. She titled it, "The Beauty of Mekko's Waters". In front of her were at least a hundred guests who came to Mekko Hamlet, Pledo Village, Witihama tourism sub-district, Adonara, East Flores.
Dijah is the daughter of Bakri Lolo Wajo, the leader of Bangkit Muda Mudi Mekko (BM3), a tourism awareness group of 24 young people who dream big of developing Mekko through its marine tourism potential, and improving the welfare of its people. Established in 2016, their work has been recognized through the Decree of the Head of Pledo Village Number 01 of 2017 concerning the Establishment of the Bangkit Muda Mudi Mekko Group of Pledo Village. Over the past year, the group has been actively learning how to guide tours that are environmentally friendly.
That day (29/06/2018), the WWF-Indonesia assisted organization inaugurated the BM3 Group Tourism Information Center in Dusun 3 Mekko, Pledo Village. In the form of a simple wooden building, it is right in front of the pier which is intended as a boat mooring bridge.
There, the BM3 Group stores snorkeling equipment and life vests given by supporters WWF-Indonesia. Tourists can read brochures, tour guides and packages, and a large tourism map of Mekko, while understanding that they are traveling within the utilization zone of the East Flores Regional Marine Protected Area (MPA).
Laurensius Lebu Raya, Witihama Sub-District Head, officially opened the Tourism Information Center, with the support of the East Flores Regency Government, including the Tourism and Culture Office, Environment Office, Fisheries Office, and members of the Regional People's Representative Council (DPRD). Also present were several non-governmental organizations (NGOs) that oversee the improvement of fisheries in Mekko, WCS and Misool Baseftin.
"Mekko is one of the priority tourism destinations of East Flores Regency," said Apolonia Corebima, Head of the East Flores Regency Tourism and Culture Office. "Currently, the road to Mekko is being widened, and next year, the government will erect a building for the Tourist Information Center that groups can use for activities," she added.
"The potential of Mekko is so beautiful, we must protect and develop it together. From the community, and for the community," Polycarpus K. Blolo, a member of the East Flores DPRD, Mekko's customary landlord, said in his speech. He has been instrumental in the spatial and development planning of his customary land, which is in line with Mekko's conservation and tourism programs. This community leader seemed to be enjoying the charm of Mekko, which was sunny that day. "Mekko management has been in the planning of the Government, but also the community, through Bangkit Muda Mudi Mekko, for example," he added.
Mekko Island Tourism Park is part of the Sago Tourism Strategic Area (KSP), 1 of 5 KSPs stipulated in the Tourism Development Master Plan 2013-2023 as stipulated in Regional Regulation No. 2 of 2013.
The government has indeed rolled out a lot of funds to improve the road to Mekko, which was previously very difficult to pass, especially during the rainy season. The landscape of the sandy road with views of Ile (Mount) Boleng towards Mekko is actually so beautiful. Now on the banks of the road, construction workers are busy hauling stones and sand, trying to open up proper access to Mekko's growing tourism with its people.
