
Rahayu Saraswati, Deputy Chairwoman of the House of Representatives’ Committee VII, reported a significant rebound in foreign tourist arrivals to West Nusa Tenggara NTB, including the Gili Islands Gili Air, Gili Meno, and Gili Trawangan. During a visit to the NTB Governor's Office in Mataram, she noted that visitor numbers are approaching pre-pandemic levels, a positive sign for Indonesia's tourism sector and national economy. Hotel owners and tourism operators on the Gili Islands confirmed this trend, expressing gratitude for the increased arrivals and the expansion of tourism facilities. However, Rahayu highlighted the ongoing challenge of providing adequate clean water for residents and tourism activities on the Gili Islands, emphasizing its importance for the long-term sustainability of the region's tourism.
This summary was generated from a story originally published by Gili Air news.
Must readCrown Princess Victoria of Sweden visited Gili Meno on Sunday, September 6, as a UNDP Goodwill Ambassador to highlight efforts in protecting coral reefs from climate change. During her visit, she learned about a pioneering parametric insurance scheme designed to protect vulnerable coral reefs. This initiative, developed by UNDP in collaboration with the Indonesian government, Swiss Re, and the Ocean Risk and Resilience Action Alliance, triggers payments when environmental conditions, such as ocean temperatures, reach predetermined levels. These payments are intended to fund rapid reef restoration and support local communities affected by marine ecosystem damage. UNDP states this is the first parametric insurance specifically for coral reefs against rising ocean temperatures. Crown Princess Victoria participated in coral restoration activities, observed local marine conservation efforts, and helped release sea turtle hatchlings. Indonesia contains approximately 16 percent of the world’s coral reefs, with reef-based tourism around Gili Trawangan, Gili Meno, and Gili Air generating over IDR 9.5 trillion annually. The project is expected to benefit around 25,000 people, with about 5,000 receiving training in insurance and marine protection. Her visit to Indonesia, from September 4 to 8, focuses on sustainable development, climate resilience, and biodiversity.
A UNOSAT map, based on satellite images from August 8, 2018, indicates minor damage on the Gili Islands following the 6.9 magnitude earthquake that struck Lombok Island on August 5, 2018. The analysis identified 15 potentially damaged buildings, primarily on Gili Air, and 6 potential gathering sites on Gili Trawangan. This preliminary assessment used a post-event Pleiades satellite image and Google Earth for pre-event imagery, which may affect the confidence level of the analysis. The findings have not yet been validated in the field.
Must readCoral Catch, a nonprofit based in Gili Air, Indonesia, offers the country's first marine conservation training program for women. The intensive nine-week scholarship program, launched in 2021, teaches local women diving, conservation, and leadership skills, including crafting reef structures, monitoring progress, and organizing beach clean-ups. Founder Rose Huizenga established Coral Catch to create career pathways for women in marine science and conservation, addressing the challenge of sustaining reef restoration efforts through local stewardship. The program aims to build a dedicated workforce for long-term coral reef monitoring and maintenance. Despite initial skepticism in the predominantly Muslim country about women pursuing diving careers, over 150 applied for the first cohort. Coral Catch has since trained 44 women from across Indonesia, with every graduate remaining active in conservation-related work, education, or research. Alumnae like Britania Hasilohan and Avicenna Wijayanto have secured roles in shark monitoring, reef research, and project management. Since 2021, Coral Catch has deployed over 300 restoration structures, planting more than 5,000 coral fragments and restoring approximately 850 square meters of reef habitat within the Gili Matra Marine Reserve. The organization also fosters a "sisterhood" alumni community, providing ongoing support, mentoring, and professional training. In early 2026, Coral Catch launched an academy to further support graduates an