Optimization of tourism object functions as a means of introducing Islam in Indonesia

Abstract

This paper discusses the optimization of tourism object functions as a means of introducing Islam in Indonesia. Tourism for Indonesia is a very important economic sector, this was proven in 2009 tourism ranks third in terms of foreign exchange earnings after oil and gas commodities and palm oil. This study is important because all this time the tourist attraction is only used as a place to enjoy the beauty of nature and vacation. Moreover, Indonesia as the largest Muslim population in the world with a majority in the Shafi'i's school has a significant influence in realizing friendly and moderate Islam. One way that can be taken in realizing that is by maximizing the potential of attractions that are visited by many foreign tourists, such as the Gili Trawangan Island, Lombok, West Nusa Tenggara. This study focuses the analysis on two aspects;jirst, what steps should be taken in introducing Islam to foreign tourists through tourism, especially on the Gili Trawangan Island. Second, the extent to which the effectiveness of tourism as a means of introducing Indonesian Islam to foreign tourists. This type of research is field research with the method of observation, interviews and, documentation for data collection. This research concludes: first, optimizing the function of the mosque is not only as a primary means of worship but also becomes a medium for da'wah for Muslims such as a source of information, a place to ask questions and explore moderate Islamic teachings in the area of tourism object. Second, the mosque as the main worship facility on the Gili Trawangan Island can be used as a very effective means of introducing the teachings of Islam to foreign tourists. The effectiveness of the introduction must be followed by efforts to improve and complete the facilities and infrastructure of the mosque so that it will increase the interest of tourists to ask questions and explore the teachings of moderate Islam in the area of tourism object.