<![CDATA[This study explores the contextual needs of Indonesian language instruction in tourism vocational high schools (SMK Pariwisata) in East Lombok by aligning the Merdeka Curriculum with the principles of language ecology. Generic instructional models often fail to address the ecological, cultural, and occupational realities faced by students in vocational settings. An exploratory qualitative approach was employed using a language ecology framework. Data were collected through observations, interviews, document analysis, focus group discussions (FGDs), and questionnaires across three ecological zones: urban (Mataram City), coastal (Senggigi), and mountainous (Sembalun). Thematic analysis and data triangulation were conducted to identify region-specific linguistic demands. Findings revealed significant variation in learning needs across ecological zones. In coastal areas, 88% of students required practical spoken language for tourism communication. In urban areas, 82% prioritized formal and professional Indonesian for business and bureaucratic contexts. Meanwhile, 91% of students in mountainous regions expressed a preference for materials rooted in local folklore and cultural heritage. Teacher responses (above 85% in all regions) affirmed the importance of integrating local context into instructional content. Effective strategies identified included simulation-based learning, project-based activities, and the development of culturally relevant texts. These results suggest that Indonesian language instruction in SMK Pariwisata should be differentiated based on ecological contexts and grounded in local cultural and professional practices. The study recommends teacher training in ecolinguistics, curriculum adaptation, and cross-sector collaboration with tourism stakeholders to ensure linguistically relevant and workforce-aligned education.]]>
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