Sumenep, July 9 -- Indonesia's Sumenep District is expanding its tourism village program to 50 villages to boost local economies and support micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs), a local tourism official said on Thursday.

Sumenep Culture, Youth, Sports and Tourism Office Head Faruk Hanafi said each village is being developed according to its distinctive tourism potential.

"Initially, only 27 villages committed to developing their rural economies through tourism. As the program progressed, the number increased to 50," Faruk said.

He said most participating villages offer diverse natural attractions, making nature-based tourism the main focus of development.

Faruk cited Lobuk Village in Bluto Subdistrict, known for its peac...