History

Lombok today has become Indonesia’s new “in” destination. Lombok ‘s area and population are just slightly smaller than Bali’s. There is cultural connection between these two islands.
The named “Lombok” is said to come from a fiery red chili pepper, used as a condiment in Indonesia, although this may be a folk etymology. Lombok also called “Bumi Gora” by the Sasak – the natives of Lombok , which means the dry farmland.

Little is known of Lombok’s prehistory, but it is mentiond in the 14th century chronicle of the great East Javanese Majapahit empire as a dependency. At this time also, Islam was introduced to Lombok and become the native’s religion up till now.

GEOGRAPHY

Lombok is a small island, which stretch just 80km from east to west and about the same distance from north to south.  There are several clusters of small islands off Lombok’s coast, all called Gili, Sasak word means island. The best known islands are Gili Trawangan, Gili Air, and Gili Meno which have relaxing white sandy beaches, calm and clear water, varieties of colorful fishes, and the best snorkeling and diving in Lombok.

POPULATION & PEOPLE

Lombok’s population is just over three million, dominated by Sasak (90%) and the rest is Balinese and several number of Chinese, Javanese, Bugis and Arabs. The Sasaks are Muslim and have much common with the Javanese. They have spread over central and eastern Lombok. Most of the Balinese lived in the western part of Lombok.

SOCIETY

In Lombok, artistic activity is strong in certain village but rare in others. Cultural performances are far less frequent than in Bali. Dance and music are directly tied to cultural identity in Lombok and particularly custom relating to birth, circumcision, courtship, and marriage.
The large Balinese minority in western Lombok retain their temple festivals and performing arts only at the festival.

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