The price of Lombok pearl rose from US$5 last year to US$16.3 per gram this year, according to Bambang Setiawan, deputy chairman of the Indonesian Pearl Cultivation Association`s Organization Unit.
The pearl festival recorded the total value of transactions at Rp150 million. A number of Indonesian buyers and 36 foreign pearl companies took part in the festival.
Sapta Nirwandar, the tourism and culture ministry`s marketing director general, said the festival opened wider market and investment opportunities.
It also helped boost the people`s economy especially in the tourism and trade sector, he said.
The festival was also aimed at strengthening the position of Lombok and Sumbawa as the best pearl producers which are able to compete in the world markets.
The event also helped promote Lombok as a tourism destination, he said.
The West Nusa Tenggara (NTB) administration hoped the pearl festival could make Visit Lombok Sumbawa 2012 a success.
The Visit Lombok Sumbawa 2012 will be launched starting January 1, 2012.
NTB is currently revitalizing several tourist objects, such as Lowang Baloq, Senggi Beach and Lakey Huu Beach.
South Sea Pearl, which is the best pearl type and cultivated only in South Sea, are mainly produced in Lombok.
Four countries are known as South Sea Pearl, namely Indonesia, Australia, the Philippines, and Myanmar.
Indonesia`s position is very strategic because it is located in the middle of South Sea pearl producing nations. Indonesia is the largest producer of this pearl thanks to its geographic position.
South sea pearl is more glittering, bigger in size and much more expensive than other pearls such as Akoya, Tahiti and fresh water.
(*)
Editor: AA Ariwibowo
Copyright © ANTARA 2011
