Article by Kendra Clegg*

The end of President Suharto’s New Order government and its authoritarian cultural policies has meant greater freedom of cultural expression for many ethnic and religious groups in Indonesia. However, for the people of Ampenan, Lombok, who practice a version of Sasak culture different from elsewhere on the island, cultural politics under regional autonomy resembles that of the New Order. The Ampenan Sasak community find themselves marginalised as local political elites present a single view of Sasak culture.

Praying at a gravesite in Bintaro cemetery on the outskirts of Ampenan, a devout Sasak pilgrim (peziarah), pours water over the grave, sprinkling flowers, betel leaf, and lime powder. The ceremony, known as Lebaran Topat, is held in the seven days after the Muslim celebrations to mark the end of the fasting month (Idul Fitri). This uniquely Sasak tradition is said to bring good luck and health to those who take part and is celebrated by many Sasak living in West Lombok. Since regional autonomy, the local government, keen to promote this ceremony as an example of Sasak culture, has provided financial and other support for it. Yet for the people of Ampenan itself, who also identify as Sasak, Lebaran Topat is regarded as non-Islamic and has never been a part of their traditions.

Are you still confuse with your holiday, your hotel and along the main tourists venues? Why not try something new and learn a little more about Lombok and Indonesia.

Can you really say "been there, done that"? How do you make sate? Where's a good warung around here? What is a typical village wedding like? Where can you find a good surfing spot?

Sasak does not have greetings such as "Good Morning". A Sasak approaching a friend might ask, in the local language, " How are you?, How's your family?" simply as a form of greeting. Locals will frequently ask foreigners like this in English (it may be their only English!) as a greeting. Don't get annoyed - they are just trying to be polite. A smile and a "hello", or greeting in Indonesian, is a polite and adequate response.

Lombok Island located in West Nusa Tenggara province, Indonesia. It is part of the chain of the Lesser Sunda Islands, with the Lombok Strait separating it from Bali to the west and the Alas Strait between it and Sumbawa to the east. It is roughly circular, with a "tail" to the southwest, about 70 km across and a total area of about 4,725 km².

Lombok has much in common with nearby Bali, but less well-known and less-visited by foreigners. It has been working to increase its visibility to tourists in recent years, promoting itself as an "unspoiled Bali". The most-developed center of tourism is Senggigi, spread in a 10-kilometer strip along the coastal road north of Mataram, while backpackers congregate in the Gili Islands off the west coast. Other popular tourist destinations include Kuta (distinctly different from Kuta, Bali) where surfing is considered some of the best in the world by leading surfing magazines. The Kuta area is also famous for its beautiful, untouched beaches.