C Lombok, NTB, Feb. 14 -- The sky over Seger Beach was still dark when thousands of people, flashlights in hand, began wading into the sea. The air carried the scent of salt, welcoming those who believe that the nyale , or sea worms, are the reincarnation of Princess Mandalika.

In the Mandalika Special Economic Zone (SEZ) in Central Lombok District, West Nusa Tenggara (NTB), Bau Nyale, the traditional sea worm catching ritual, has become both a cultural heartbeat and a significant economic driver.

This year, Bau Nyale no longer stands solely as a cultural festival. It has become part of a broader landscape that includes sports tourism, investment, and a sustainability strategy for tourism in West Nusa Tenggara.

On one side stands the P...