VOICED : Indonesia prays Islamic tourism drive can draw more visitors

Lombok, part of Indonesia's 17,000 island archipelago, is seeking to establish its own identity by attracting Muslim tourists, distinct from nearby Bali. Known as the 'island of 1000 Mosques', Lombok is adapting services to cater to this market, including halal food labels and prayer facilities. While Middle Eastern visitors appreciate these efforts, there is concern about creating separate markets for Western and Muslim tourists, which could highlight cultural differences. Despite its natural beauty, Indonesia's tourism numbers lag behind Malaysia and Thailand, indicating room for growth.

What concerns are raised about creating separate markets for Westerners and Muslims in Lombok?

How does the number of holidaymakers in Indonesia compare to Malaysia and Thailand?