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NTB’s Cultural Richness Set for Global Showcase

Lombok Zone – The efforts to bring the cultural wealth of West Nusa Tenggara (NTB) to the global stage are becoming more tangible. Sinta Agathia, the head of the NTB PKK and the NTB Dekranasda, has expressed her full support for the upcoming textiles exhibition in Australia as part of an international cultural promotion strategy.

This support was conveyed during a meeting with the head of the NTB State Museum and his team at the Pendopo Barat in Mataram on Thursday, March 26, 2026. The discussion revolved around the exhibition of textiles that will be conducted in collaboration with The Art Gallery of South Australia.

Sinta, affectionately known as Bunda Sinta, believes that this exhibition is a strategic opportunity to showcase Lombok’s textiles on a global scale while reinforcing the region’s cultural identity.

“This exhibition presents a significant chance to introduce Lombok’s textiles more broadly. We want the culture of NTB to be recognized not just domestically, but to compete and be appreciated internationally,” she stated.

She emphasized that promoting culture through textiles is crucial in supporting the regional development vision, especially in realizing NTB’s aspirations to thrive and be known worldwide.

Meanwhile, Ahmad Nuralam, the head of the NTB State Museum, elaborated that this exhibition is part of an international collaboration and a cultural diplomacy effort between the NTB Museum and AGSA.

“This is not merely an exhibition; it is a form of cultural diplomacy. We want to demonstrate that NTB’s cultural heritage has a strong global appeal,” he explained.

The exhibition will focus on the themes of Lombok and Bali and will coincide with the launch of a book titled Two Islands, One Thread: Textiles of Lombok & Bali. The NTB Museum will showcase approximately six outstanding textile collections.

According to Ahmad Nuralam, the community in Adelaide has shown a keen interest in Lombok and Bali’s cultural heritage, with several related collections already included in AGSA’s collection.

Furthermore, AGSA has officially invited the NTB Dekranasda chairperson to attend the exhibition and symposium scheduled for June 2026, with a similar invitation sent to the NTB Governor.

This meeting marks a significant first step in strengthening cross-national cultural collaboration while also opening broader opportunities for promoting NTB’s textiles on an international platform.

The NTB Provincial Government hopes that this initiative will not only enhance cultural recognition but also positively impact the region’s creative economic value through textile products.

March 27, 2026
Indonesia and Vietnam Recognized Among World’s Most Beautiful Countries
Lombok Zone – In a recent spotlight, two Southeast Asian countries, Indonesia and Vietnam, have captivated global attention by securing spots on the prestigious list of the 28 most beautiful countries curated by Condé Nast Traveler.

Interestingly, these two nations are not the most visited in the region, especially when compared to popular tourist hubs like Thailand and Malaysia. The selection was made by editors who focused on the allure of natural landscapes, biodiversity, and authentic travel experiences.

Highlights of Vietnam

Vietnam was highlighted for its outdoor activities that provide an exceptional experience for nature enthusiasts. Among the recommended destinations, Ha Long Bay stands out with its clear blue waters and towering limestone islands adorned with tropical foliage and a vibrant array of wildlife.
- In the northern region, Ha Giang offers breathtaking views with its steep terraces and challenging hiking trails.
- Meanwhile, Ninh Van Bay, situated along the central coast, is perfect for snorkeling and diving adventures.
- Travelers can also head to Phu Quoc, a tropical island cloaked in forests, featuring exotic beaches in the southwest of Vietnam.
Indonesia’s Charm

On the other hand, Indonesia is referred to as the ‘crown jewel’ of Southeast Asia, boasting a wealth of islands and stunning natural beauty.

Although Bali is often crowded with tourists, there are still tranquil spots waiting to be explored, such as Tabanan. This area features waterfalls, butterfly gardens, and UNESCO-recognized rice terraces. For underwater enthusiasts, Raja Ampat is a top destination with its azure waters and richly diverse coral reefs. Alternatively, Flores attracts those seeking pristine white beaches and lush green hills, often with fewer visitors.

The inclusion of Indonesia and Vietnam in this esteemed list highlights the notion that a destination’s beauty does not always correlate with tourist traffic. Amid the dominance of more popular countries, these two provide a more genuine and varied travel experience.

Besides Indonesia and Vietnam, the list features several other countries such as Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Japan, and South Africa, underscoring that beauty can be found worldwide, often beyond the radar of mainstream destinations.
March 23, 2026
Celebrating Eid al-Fitr 1447 H: Muhammadiyah Prayer Locations in NTB
Lombok Zone – The Muhammadiyah Regional Leadership of Nusa Tenggara Barat has officially announced the venues for the Eid al-Fitr prayer for the year 1447 Hijriah. This announcement includes various locations across multiple districts and cities in NTB, along with details about the designated imams and khatibs who will lead the prayers.

Prayer Locations and Details
- Sumbawa Barat
  - Location: Pahlawan Field Sumbawa
    Imam: Ust. Fiqri Rabuna, S.Pd.
    Khatib: Dr. Abdul Wahab, MA
- Dompu
  - Location: GOR Dompu Field
    Imam & Khatib: Fahruddin, M.Ag
- Kota Bima
  - Location: Campus 1 Field, UM Bima
    Imam: Dr. Nasaruddin, M.Pd.I
    Khatib: H. Amman Fushilat, S.Pd.I
  - Location: Campus 2 Field, UM Bima
    Imam: Imranul Karim, S.Pd.I
    Khatib: Dr. Ilham, M.Pd.I
- Lombok Timur
  - Location: Muhammadiyah Educational Complex, Selong
    Imam & Khatib: TGH. M. Arhandika Rahman, LC
  - Location: Tanjung Teros Public Field
    Imam & Khatib: Prof. Dr. H. Hirsanuddin, S.H., M.H
  - Location: SDN 1 Sembalun Lawang Field
    Imam: Ust. Salehudin
    Khatib: Ust. Restu Hadi Seno
  - Location: Labuhan Haji Dock Field
    Imam & Khatib: Ust. Jamaludin, S.Pd.I
  - Location: Muhammadiyah Masbagik Complex
    Imam & Khatib: Ust. Jundi, S.Pd.I
  - Location: Bonar Pancor Bersatu Field
    Imam: Ustadz Khaerul Anwar, S.Pd.I
    Khatib: Dr. H. Zaenudin, M.Pd.I
- Lombok Utara
  - Location: Mushalla Aisyiyah Lekok Tenggara
    Imam: Muhammad Hilmi, S.Sos
    Khatib: Efendi, M.Pd
- Mataram
  - Location: Muhammadiyah University Mataram Field
    Imam & Khatib: Ust. Muhibburrahman, Lc., M.Pd
  - Location: UMMAT Medical Faculty Field
    Imam & Khatib: Ust. Najamuddin, M.Pd.I
  - Location: Masjid Darul Arqam PWM NTB Karang Pule Field
    Imam: Ust. Lukmanul Hakim
    Khatib: Prof. Dr. Subhan Abdullah Achim, MA
- Lombok Barat
  - Location: Ir. H. Sadiman Boarding School
    Imam: Muhammad Zulkifli, M.Sos
    Khatib: Ahmadi Maya Imran, M.Pd
  - Location: Peresak Village Public Field
    Imam: Drs. H. Achmad Fauzi
    Khatib: PWM NTB Chairperson (Dr. TGH. Falahuddin, M.Ag)
- Lombok Tengah
  - Location: Muhammadiyah Lombok Tengah Dakwah Building
    Imam: Dr. Fathurrahman, M.Ag
    Khatib: Dr. H. Nasri Anggara, M.Pd.I
This information is provided by the Muhammadiyah NTB to guide the community in conducting Eid al-Fitr prayers in line with Muhammadiyah’s provisions.
March 19, 2026
Celebrating Diversity: Ogoh-Ogoh Parade in Mataram Marks Special Religious Occasions

Lombok Zone – The spirit of tolerance and diversity was vividly showcased in Mataram, West Nusa Tenggara (NTB) as thousands of Hindu Dharma followers participated in the Ogoh-Ogoh parade. This event welcomed the Nyepi Day and the Saka New Year, coinciding beautifully with the holy month of Ramadan this year.

Governor Lalu Muhamad Iqbal, alongside Hj. Sinta Agathia M Iqbal, the head of NTB’s TP. PKK, and Mataram Mayor H. Mohan Roliskana, expressed their admiration for the dedication and creativity displayed by the Hindu community in putting together this cultural event. He noted that the Ogoh-Ogoh creations were exceptional works of art, meticulously crafted to perfection.

“Together with the Mayor of Mataram, we are amazed at how the Hindu Dharma community expresses their artistic talents and seriousness. None of the Ogoh-Ogoh looked subpar; they were all prepared with great care,” he commented during his visit on Wednesday, March 18, 2026.

This year’s celebration was notably special as two significant religious holidays, Nyepi for Hindus and Idul Fitri for Muslims, occurred in such close proximity. The Governor referred to this coincidence as a “remarkable blessing,” highlighting that approximately 99 percent of the NTB population is collectively engaged in a process of self-purification.

“With nearly 96 percent of the NTB population being Muslim and about 3 percent Hindu, this means 99 percent of our community is undergoing purification together. This is a good sign that peace, comfort, and order will always accompany us,” he added.

He also emphasized to the press that this event serves as a tangible demonstration to the international community of NTB’s maturity in religious practices and its strong roots of tolerance that have been nurtured for centuries.

The orderly conduct of the event is hoped to set a new standard for future celebrations, reinforcing NTB’s reputation as a harmonious province amidst diversity.

March 18, 2026
NTB Government Aims for Economic Growth and Business Collaboration

Lombok Zone – The government of West Nusa Tenggara (NTB) is on a mission to become a region that warmly welcomes economic communities and encourages growth. In a recent breaking of fast event with economic stakeholders and business figures held at the Pendopo on March 16, 2026, Governor HL Muhamad Iqbal expressed the intention to adopt a corporate governance style.

“We aspire to be a government that operates seamlessly with the business sector,” said Governor Iqbal. He emphasized that the provincial government is prepared to act as a catalyst for economic growth. Acknowledging that many development plans from early 2025 did not align with business strategies, he insisted on a proactive approach to support needed revisions.

During the event, the governor also encouraged business leaders to share their insights regarding the economic landscape of NTB and its development, aiming for constructive improvement. He highlighted that the revised RPJMD benchmarks, which focus on the prosperous global vision, initially set a growth target of 5.3% for September 2024. However, the government has now increased the 0.7% target to 6% for 2025.

Despite the initial downturn under Governor Iqbal Dinda’s administration, which saw growth plummet to -1.47% rather than the anticipated 5.3%, the region managed to recover to a growth rate of 3.22% in that time. The governor noted that while the 6% target was not met, an increase from 0.70% to 4.69% in just one year is still significant.

“I hope we can maintain this upward momentum this year, aiming for above 6% despite the challenges posed by global, national, and regional economic factors,” he concluded. The breaking of the fast event was organized by the NTB Provincial Economic Bureau and attracted various economic stakeholders, business people, and investors.

March 18, 2026
70 Food Packages Distributed to Vulnerable Communities in Mataram

Lombok Zone – In Mataram, 70 food packages were distributed to vulnerable groups, underscoring the collaborative efforts of the Social Family Coordination Agency (LKKS) of West Nusa Tenggara and the Consulate General of China in Denpasar.

During the event held on March 16, 2026, Sinta Agathia Iqbal, the head of LKKS NTB, expressed that the assistance symbolizes the government’s love and concern for those in need. She emphasized that this initiative is a testament to the broader support available to the community.

“This means you are not alone; many care for you, including our Chinese friends,” Bunda Sinta stated while handing over the aid at the LKKS auditorium. She made it a point to express her gratitude to the LKKS management for their dedication to organizing this event.

Bunda Sinta concluded her remarks with encouragement, reminding everyone that even after Eid al-Fitr, there remains much work to be done. “Thank you to all LKKS leaders; let’s keep our spirits high,” she added.

Meanwhile, Zhang Zhiseng, Consul General of the People’s Republic of China, expressed his appreciation for the initiative led by LKKS NTB. He highlighted the historical ties between China and Indonesia, noting that these connections predated European colonization.

Zheng praised NTB’s religious harmony, acknowledging the province’s majority Muslim population. “With 20 million Muslims in China, NTB serves as a model for tolerance,” he remarked.

Prior to the distribution, Andi Purna Henderi, the daily chair of LKKS NTB, reported that this sharing program had commenced on the 11th of Ramadan, emphasizing that such activities are not mere formalities but a duty of the LKKS. “Today marks the conclusion of our efforts. We are grateful for the unexpected support from the Chinese Consulate,” he said.

The event also included a communal iftar, where LKKS NTB officials and beneficiaries shared a meal together.

March 18, 2026
Lombok Tengah Police Hosts Run Ramadhan Event to Foster Youth Talent

Lombok Zone – In a commendable effort to promote positive activities among the youth and curb delinquency during the holy month of Ramadhan, the Lombok Tengah Police, part of the West Nusa Tenggara (NTB) Police, organized a 100-meter sprint competition named Run Ramadhan 1447 Hijriah.

This event was officially inaugurated by Lombok Tengah Police Chief AKBP Eko Yusmiarto on Saturday evening at the main road in front of the Lombok Tengah Police Station. The initiative garnered significant enthusiasm from the community, especially among students and young people eager to showcase their athletic talents.

According to Chief Eko, the Run Ramadhan competition serves as a positive platform for the public to engage in exercise while enhancing physical fitness throughout the holy month.

“With this race, we aim to provide an official venue for the community, particularly the youth, to express their interests and talents in sports,” he stated during the opening ceremony.

The popularity of running as a sport among the community is undeniable, often spontaneously practiced by youngsters during the evenings of Ramadhan. To create a structured environment for this activity, the Lombok Tengah Police decided to establish an official competition.

Chief Eko emphasized that the Run Ramadhan event also serves as a preventive measure against illegal racing activities that could pose security risks and disrupt public order.

This event not only offers youth a chance to compete healthily but is also designed to foster sportsmanship and strengthen community bonds.

“This is part of our initiative to identify and nurture talented athletes from Lombok Tengah, guiding them to higher levels of achievement,” he added.

The Run Ramadhan 2026 event is scheduled over two days, concluding on Sunday night, with approximately 225 participants across both male and female categories. Competitors range from students to community members passionate about running.

The winners will be prepared for higher-level competitions, including provincial sports events, with hopes that all participants will uphold sportsmanship and maintain order throughout the competition.

Through this initiative, the Lombok Tengah Police aspire to create a safe, orderly, and conducive atmosphere within the community during Ramadhan while encouraging the youth to develop their potential through positive engagements.

March 15, 2026
Governor Iqbal Urges Harmony Ahead of Nyepi and Idul Fitri in NTB

Lombok Zone – The Governor of West Nusa Tenggara, H. Lalu Muhamad Iqbal, has called upon the people of NTB to continue fostering a spirit of tolerance, unity, and mutual respect as the Hindu celebration of Nyepi coincides with the Islamic holiday of Idul Fitri. This message was conveyed by the Head of the NTB Communications, Informatics, and Statistics Office, Dr. H. Ahsanul Khalik, during a press briefing in Mataram on March 15, 2026.

Governor Iqbal highlighted that the people of NTB have long embraced a strong tradition of tolerance and respect for the various religious practices within the community. “In NTB, we are accustomed to living in harmony. Tolerance is not merely a slogan but is woven into the fabric of our daily lives. The overlapping occasions of Nyepi and Idul Fitri should serve as a prime example of how we can maintain harmony and respect for one another,” said Khalik, delivering the Governor’s message.

The provincial government has made it clear that there are no restrictions on the Ogoh-ogoh parade for Nyepi or the Takbiran parade for Idul Fitri. Both religious activities can proceed as usual, provided they adhere to public order and mutual understanding within the community.

In Mataram, local authorities have collaborated with Hindu and Islamic leaders, Ogoh-ogoh rally organizers, Takbiran organizers, the Religious Harmony Forum (FKUB), and security forces to ensure smooth execution of both events. Key agreements have been reached regarding the observance of protocols, participant limits—including restrictions on out-of-region attendees—event route management, scheduling, and security oversight.

Security personnel, including Bhabinkamtibmas and Babinsa, will monitor participants from their respective communities until the events conclude. Similar coordination efforts are being carried out in various regions across NTB, including Lingsar and Narmada in West Lombok, as well as Sumbawa and other areas hosting similar activities.

Khalik noted that Governor Iqbal perceives the people of NTB as mature in their religious coexistence, allowing space for one another’s celebrations. Muslims have been accommodating towards the Hindu observances of Nyepi, commencing with the Ogoh-ogoh parade and followed by the Catur Brata Penyepian. Likewise, Hindus are also honoring the Takbiran night and Idul Fitri prayers.

The contributions of religious leaders, community figures, and local officials are deemed crucial in ensuring a tranquil environment. Moreover, the younger generation is encouraged to enhance communication and unity to guarantee that religious events proceed safely and orderly.

The NTB provincial government continues to liaise with district and municipal governments to ensure the seamless execution of the planned activities. Security support is being coordinated with the police and military to mitigate potential disturbances and ensure all events unfold safely and orderly.

As part of his commitment to supporting local religious activities, Governor Iqbal is also expected to attend the Ogoh-ogoh parade’s ceremonial send-off in Mataram. The provincial government hopes that the overlapping celebrations of Nyepi and Idul Fitri will further strengthen the values of tolerance and unity within NTB, setting an example of harmonious religious coexistence for other regions in Indonesia.

March 15, 2026
Governor Encourages Local Cooperatives to Boost Economy

Lombok Zone – In an effort to spur economic growth at the village level, the Merah Putih Village Cooperative (KDMP) is set to begin its business activities. This initiative was highlighted by NTB Governor Lalu Muhamad Iqbal during his visit to the Merah Putih Telaga Bertong Cooperative on Friday, March 13, 2026.

Governor Iqbal emphasized the importance of integrating various government programs with initiatives such as the Merah Putih Cooperative, which includes welfare schemes like the Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) program, fishing village projects, and integrated livestock farming.

To provide tangible support, he specifically requested Bank NTB Syariah to assist cooperatives that are ready to launch their businesses through its corporate social responsibility (CSR) program. Each cooperative will receive approximately IDR 25 million in goods, rather than cash, to kickstart their operations.

These goods are sourced from partners including Bulog, Pupuk Indonesia, and Pertamina. The cooperatives can then sell these items to the community, allowing them to generate a profit margin that can be reinvested as business capital.

“The key is for them to start doing business. From the sales margins, they can build their capital,” he stated.

Initially, about ten cooperatives are slated to benefit from this CSR initiative as a pilot project. Should this program prove successful, similar support will be extended to other cooperatives ready to engage in business activities. So far, CSR assistance aimed at promoting cooperative business activities has begun flowing from Bank NTB Syariah and Bank Mandiri.

March 14, 2026
Gubernur Nusa Tenggara Barat Lalu Muhamad Iqbal melakukan kunjungan ke Pasar Brang Biji, Kabupaten Sumbawa Besar

Lombok Zone – Gubernur Nusa Tenggara Barat Lalu Muhamad Iqbal melakukan kunjungan ke Pasar Brang Biji, Kabupaten Sumbawa, Kamis (12/3/2026), untuk memantau langsung perkembangan harga bahan pokok di tengah meningkatnya permintaan menjelang Idulfitri.
Kegiatan tersebut merupakan bagian dari rangkaian agenda Safari Ramadan Gubernur NTB di Kabupaten Sumbawa. Dalam sidak tersebut, Gubernur berdialog langsung dengan pedagang serta mengecek harga sejumlah komoditas pangan strategis.
Dari hasil pemantauan di dalam pasar, harga cabai rawit masih berada pada kisaran Rp110 ribu hingga Rp120 ribu per kilogram. Gubernur menilai harga tersebut masih relatif tinggi, terutama karena Pasar Brang Biji bukan merupakan pasar induk yang menjadi pusat distribusi utama.
“Dari hasil pengecekan langsung di pasar, harga cabai rawit memang masih cukup tinggi. Ini juga dipengaruhi karena pasar ini bukan pasar induk sehingga distribusi pasokan tidak sebesar di pasar utama,” ujar Miq Iqbal.
Menurutnya, kenaikan harga cabai rawit saat ini dipengaruhi oleh mekanisme pasar, di mana pasokan yang terbatas tidak sebanding dengan tingginya permintaan masyarakat.
Pemerintah Provinsi NTB sebelumnya telah mencoba menambah pasokan cabai dengan mendatangkan lebih dari satu ton cabai dari Enrekang, Sulawesi Selatan. Namun, langkah tersebut dinilai belum sepenuhnya mampu menekan harga di tingkat pasar.
Untuk itu, Pemprov NTB tengah menjajaki opsi penambahan pasokan cabai dari luar daerah melalui koordinasi dengan Badan Pangan Nasional. Data distribusi antarwilayah dari Bapanas akan digunakan sebagai dasar untuk menentukan daerah pemasok yang memiliki surplus produksi cabai.
“Kami terus berkomunikasi dengan Badan Pangan Nasional untuk melihat daerah mana yang memiliki harga cabai lebih rendah dan memungkinkan dilakukan distribusi ke NTB sebagai bentuk intervensi pasar,” jelasnya.
Selain cabai, Gubernur juga memantau harga komoditas lain seperti minyak goreng dan beras. Untuk komoditas tersebut, pemerintah membuka ruang intervensi melalui koordinasi dengan Perum Bulog guna menjaga stabilitas harga dan ketersediaan stok di pasar.
Dalam kunjungan tersebut, Gubernur juga menemukan bahwa harga minyak goreng bersubsidi “Minyak Kita” di wilayah Sumbawa masih relatif tinggi. Kondisi tersebut diduga terjadi karena sebagian pedagang belum terhubung langsung dengan jalur distribusi resmi sebagai distributor.
Pemantauan pasar seperti ini, lanjut Miq Iqbal, akan terus dilakukan selama Ramadan untuk memastikan ketersediaan pasokan dan stabilitas harga bahan pokok di berbagai daerah di NTB.
“Pemerintah harus hadir memastikan harga tetap terkendali dan kebutuhan masyarakat terpenuhi, apalagi menjelang hari raya ketika permintaan biasanya meningkat,” pungkasnya.

March 13, 2026
Fire Breaks Out in Gili Trawangan, Four Buildings Damaged

Lombok Zone – A fire erupted early Thursday morning, March 12, in the tourist area of Gili Trawangan, located in North Lombok. The incident led to the destruction of at least four buildings that served as vital tourist facilities in the region.

Erwin Rahadi, the Secretary of the North Lombok Fire Department, reported that the flames raged for a while before a joint team, along with local residents, managed to bring it under control. “We have successfully subdued the fire. Four establishments have been affected, including Sama-Sama, Manta Dive, Ocean, and Diversia,” he stated on the day of the incident.

After the main fire was extinguished, firefighters continued to work on cooling down the site. This precaution was taken to ensure that no embers remained, especially since many buildings in Gili are constructed with highly flammable materials.

“Our team took a moment to rest while remaining alert for any hidden fires. Currently, we are conducting a second round of cooling down to ensure that no concealed flames reignite,” he explained.

As of now, the cause of the fire and the total material losses are still being assessed by the relevant authorities.

March 12, 2026
NTB Government Unveils Multifunctional Bypass Plan for Lembar-Kayangan

Overview of the Bypass Plan

Lombok Zone – The West Nusa Tenggara (NTB) government has announced an ambitious plan to construct the Lembar-Kayangan bypass, designed to serve dual purposes. Apart from enhancing connectivity on Lombok Island, this route is also intended to function as an emergency runway for military jets.

Lalu Muhammad Iqbal, a government spokesperson, highlighted the strategic importance of Lombok’s location along major international shipping lanes, which elevates its significance regarding national defense and security.

Funding and Infrastructure Development

The bypass project has garnered support from Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin, further emphasizing its potential impact. The government estimates that approximately Rp3.5 trillion will be required for its development. This budget will cover the construction of a new roadway connecting Sengkol in Central Lombok to Pringgabaya in East Lombok. Additionally, enhancements will be made to the existing road from the Gerung Roundabout in West Lombok leading to Lombok International Airport.

Public Reactions and Concerns

The announcement of this multifunctional roadway has sparked mixed reactions among the local populace. Many individuals are questioning the necessity of an emergency military runway in an area that is predominantly known for tourism and peaceful residential communities.

Despite the government’s assurances that this facility will serve only emergency situations, some residents fear it may lead to the perception of “militarization” of the region, especially given current global geopolitical tensions.

As of now, the Lembar-Kayangan bypass remains a hot topic of public debate in NTB, particularly concerning the balance between infrastructure development, national defense needs, and protecting Lombok’s image as a tourist destination.

March 12, 2026