ADWI: A State Award for Developing Indonesia’s Villages
ADWI (Anugerah Desa Wisata Indonesia) is a state award established by Indonesia’s Ministry of Tourism to promote the development of villages. Its goal is to support local communities, foster sustainable tourism, and showcase the unique culture, nature, and traditions of Indonesia. Each year, the winners are villages that excel in eco-tourism, showcasing traditional crafts and cultural heritage, infrastructure development, and various environmental innovations. Victors gain funding and recognition, attracting tourists and investors.
The program features eight categories, and in the main category, the Balinese village of Les in Buleleng emerged victorious. This village, nestled near the coastline in the foothills of Kintamani, was selected from 6,016 applicants nationwide.
Why Les Stands Out
Les Village is famous for its four-kilometer beach, ideal for swimming, diving, and snorkeling amidst vibrant coral reefs. The waters boast five dive spots: Dragon Side, Palisan Side, Forest Paradise, Forest Side, and Uma Be.
The village is also home to Yeh Mampeh Waterfall, one of Bali’s tallest waterfalls, with a 40-meter drop. The path to the waterfall leads through a scenic forest, making the journey an adventure in itself.
Eco-Friendly Practices
The residents of Les conduct educational tours, teaching visitors about eco-friendly waste disposal. The village also has a botanical garden and produces organic salt using traditional methods passed down by their ancestors. This unique process incorporates soil, allowing the minerals in the earth to enrich the salt.
Unique Cultural Practices
A distinctive cultural feature of Les is the absence of cremation practices. Instead, villagers lay the deceased on the ground. The village also has its own temple, reminiscent of the iconic Besakih Temple, with numerous statues scattered around.
Traditional Cuisine
Visitors can enjoy local delicacies such as:
• Belok: A mix of vegetables, including pumpkin.
• Mengguh: Yellow rice served with freshly caught seafood.
From Developing Village to Award Winner
In 2022, Les was categorized as a “developing tourist village.” However, within just two years, it earned the title of the best village. The ADWI program has significantly boosted the economy of tourist villages, especially those in the top 50, with annual increases of nearly 30% in visits and revenue.
Bali’s Other Victories
Les isn’t Bali’s only success story. Another Balinese village, Jatiluwih, won recognition in Colombia at the “Best Tourism Villages” competition, entering the UN’s top 55 best tourist villages list. In 2023, another Balinese village, Penglipuran, held this title.
The ADWI program has proven to be a game-changer for rural communities, showcasing how local culture, eco-tourism, and sustainable development can drive growth and global recognition.
Sources: liputan6, antaranews
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