REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, NORTH LOMBOK -- Tourism Minister Arief Yahya lauded New York-based Travel and Leisure Magazine for including Lombok, Bali, and Java Islands in its article entitled the 15 Best Islands in the world. He hoped that the award could become a boost for NTB development, in general, and Gili Matra (Trawangan, Meno, Air), in particular, to attract local and foreign tourists.

Yahya stated that here on Thursday, while inaugurating the start of Ama-Lurra Resort construction in Gili Air, North Lombok District. The magazine gave 93.88 score for Lombok Island, 94.06 for Bali Island, and 95.28 for Java Island.

Kuta beach, Bali.

"Also heralded for its seclusion, as well as its beaches, diving, and mountainous beauty, is Indonesia¿s Lombok, an island just east of Bali that one reader dubbed 'Romance Island.' In fact, Indonesia seems to have the joys of island life down to a science, laying claim to the top three spots people most enjoy visiting," Travel and Leisure wrote.

In addition, Yahya also lauded the construction of MotoGP circuit in Mandalika, Lombok. The development of the first MotoGP circuit in Indonesia would strengthen the position of West Nusa Tenggara (NTB), which has so far been known as one of the best Halal tourist destinations in the world.

NTB Governor Zulkieflimansyah, on the occasion, expressed his gratitude to the government for being serious in developing the province, which was devastated by a deadly earthquake last year.

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