LombokZone.com

Category: Economy

News and updates on business, SMEs, local markets, and the overall economic development driving Lombok’s growth.

  • NTB’s Cultural Richness Set for Global Showcase

    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.

  • NTB Government Aims for Economic Growth and Business Collaboration

    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.

  • Governor Encourages Local Cooperatives to Boost Economy

    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.

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

    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.

  • NTB to Become National Model for Creative Economy Financing

    NTB to Become National Model for Creative Economy Financing

    Lombok Zone – The Governor of West Nusa Tenggara, H. Lalu Muhamad Iqbal, alongside Indonesia’s Minister of Creative Economy, Teuku Riefky Harsya, has reached a significant agreement to position NTB as a national benchmark for implementing creative economy financing through the People’s Business Credit (KUR). This agreement emerged during a meeting held on Tuesday, March 10, 2026, at the Ministry of Creative Economy’s office in Jakarta.

    During the meeting, Governor Iqbal was accompanied by key officials, including the Head of the Communication, Information, and Statistics Office of NTB, the Head of NTB’s Tourism Office, and the Head of the Regional Development Planning Agency. They discussed enhancing access to financing for creative economy players, including a collaboration plan with Bank NTB Syariah to facilitate local funding.

    Governor Iqbal emphasized the importance of the creative economy as a future sector that promises new growth opportunities, particularly for the youth. He stated, ‘If this financing scheme for the creative economy operates effectively in NTB, it can serve as a national model. NTB is ready to be a policy laboratory for the development of the creative economy in Indonesia.’

    The discussions also highlighted the need to strengthen the KUR scheme for the creative industry, focusing on intellectual property. This approach allows creative entrepreneurs to access funding through intangible assets like trademarks, copyrights, and registered creative works.

    Minister Teuku Riefky Harsya noted that the central government recognizes NTB’s potential to lead as a model region for intellectual property-based creative economy financing. ‘NTB has a clear vision for the development of the creative economy, making it ideal for becoming a national role model for implementing KUR, particularly in partnership with Bank NTB Syariah,’ he said.

    The proposed scheme enables curated creative entrepreneurs to secure funding of up to hundreds of millions of rupiah. The intellectual property held by these entrepreneurs will play a crucial role in credit assessments, thereby increasing financing access that has traditionally been challenging for many in the creative sector.

    Beyond financing, the meeting also focused on bolstering the creative economy ecosystem in NTB. The NTB provincial government is keen to foster creative events based on intellectual property, aiming not only to host events but also to produce creators with marketable intellectual property at both national and international levels.

    Governor Iqbal outlined a vision for NTB’s development that extends beyond tourism. This vision emphasizes the integration of tourism, the creative economy, digital technology, renewable energy, and international connectivity. He believes the development strategy for the Bali-NTB-NTT regions should pivot towards regional integration rather than just inter-regional collaboration.

    In terms of enhancing the digital ecosystem, the NTB provincial government is promoting the development of digital talent through educational programs in information technology and multimedia connected directly to industry needs. Plans also include establishing a global technology education model in Lombok.

    Moreover, the development of the Mandalika area is set to become a hub for the digital economy. One concept discussed includes establishing a data center in eastern Indonesia, supported by renewable energy sources, particularly solar energy, which has great potential in NTB.

    According to Governor Iqbal, the future of Mandalika’s development should not solely focus on hotel investments and sports events but also on building a vibrant digital economy ecosystem and a community of digital nomads to stimulate year-round economic activities.

    This meeting marks the first step towards strengthening collaboration between the central and local governments to bolster a more robust creative economy ecosystem, encompassing talent development, financing, and enhanced digital infrastructure. With the support for creative economy financing through KUR, along with the strengthening of the digital ecosystem and creative industries, NTB is poised to set a national example for inclusive, sustainable, and innovation-driven creative economy development.

  • NTB Government and ID FOOD Sign MoU for Integrated Poultry Industry Development

    NTB Government and ID FOOD Sign MoU for Integrated Poultry Industry Development

    Lombok Zone – The regional government of West Nusa Tenggara (NTB) has officially partnered with PT Rajawali Nusantara Indonesia (ID FOOD) to enhance the local poultry industry. This new agreement aims to strengthen food security and promote a sustainable agricultural sector.

    On March 9, 2026, the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) took place in Jakarta, presided over by NTB Governor H. Lalu Muhamad Iqbal and ID FOOD CEO Ghimoyo. The event was also attended by Dr. drh. Agung Suganda, M.Si, the Director General of Livestock and Animal Health from the Indonesian Ministry of Agriculture, alongside key regional officials.

    This collaboration signifies a strategic move by the NTB government to develop a fully integrated poultry ecosystem, aiming to boost the regional economy towards a more productive and modern framework.

    Governor Iqbal emphasized the initiative’s importance, stating that it transcends typical investment in the livestock sector. He described it as a vital strategy to uplift the livelihoods of local farmers and enhance regional food independence. “This is not just another investment project for NTB; it’s a strategic step to bolster a fairer livestock ecosystem that empowers farmers,” he noted.

    The governor highlighted the current dominance of large enterprises in key areas of the poultry industry, such as day-old chicks (DOC) and feed, which has limited the growth potential of local farmers. The establishment of this integrated poultry industry in NTB aims to create a more resilient business structure, providing more opportunities for local farmers to thrive independently.

    Additionally, NTB faces a significant deficit in the supply of poultry products, especially eggs and chicken meat, still relying largely on external sources. With the rising demand for food from the national program for free nutritious meals, the need for poultry products is projected to surge.

    Governor Iqbal pointed out that the current beneficiaries of this initiative approach a thousand service units, indicating a continuous growth in the demand for food supplies, including poultry products. Therefore, developing an integrated poultry industry is crucial for ensuring food supply resilience and creating new economic opportunities for NTB residents.

    The NTB government is committed to providing comprehensive support for the project, including logistics connectivity, infrastructure enhancement, and strengthening the local livestock business ecosystem. “We will do everything we can to ensure this project runs smoothly and benefits our community,” he stated.

    This MoU follows the groundbreaking of a mega integrated poultry project valued at IDR 1.2 trillion, which already commenced in Serading Village, Moyo Hilir District, Sumbawa Regency. This ambitious initiative aims to establish a modern poultry industry framework that covers everything from providing quality breeds and feed to production and distribution.

    Ghimoyo, the CEO of ID FOOD, elaborated on the company’s strengths, mentioning its robust capacity to enhance the national livestock sector through extensive logistics, distribution networks, and food processing capabilities. ID FOOD boasts a wide distribution network with 74 distribution branches, 24 cold storage facilities, and over 900 logistics vehicles across Indonesia.

    This partnership will see ID FOOD develop an integrated farming ecosystem in NTB throughout various production value chain stages. At the upstream level, the company will support essential farming needs such as superior breeds, feed, medication, and vaccines. During production, local farmers will be encouraged to expand their businesses through contract farming and off-take agreements, ensuring market certainty for their products.

    Furthermore, farmers will receive training, technical assistance, and access to financing options, including investment credits and working capital loans. At the downstream level, ID FOOD will enhance poultry processing through facilities for slaughtering, carcass processing, and product packaging, which will then be distributed through its national network.

    Dr. drh. Agung Suganda also reinforced the strategic national significance of the integrated poultry project. He noted that it not only establishes production facilities but also builds a poultry industry ecosystem that includes local farmers as key players in the production chain. NTB has been identified as a primary cluster for the national integrated poultry project development due to its substantial regional potential and strong local government support.

    In light of the MoU, ID FOOD is set to conduct further field surveys in Sumbawa to ensure the technical and operational readiness of the project site. This phase is crucial to guarantee that the integrated poultry industry can develop on time and effectively benefit the local community. The collaboration among central and local governments, state-owned enterprises, and local farmers is expected to serve as a new driver for the regional economy while reinforcing national food security from West Nusa Tenggara.

  • Strengthening the Role of KDMP Samili in Bima’s Economic Growth

    Strengthening the Role of KDMP Samili in Bima’s Economic Growth

    Lombok Zone – The Governor of West Nusa Tenggara, Lalu Muhamad Iqbal, is advocating for the enhancement of the role of the Merah Putih Village Cooperative (KDMP) in Samili, Tente, Bima Regency. On March 3, 2026, he emphasized the cooperative’s importance as a central distribution hub for essential goods and a catalyst for local economic activity.

    Established in May 2025, KDMP has grown to include 600 members and is primarily focused on distributing rice in collaboration with local milling operations. Additionally, the cooperative facilitates the distribution of fertilizers, managing approximately 10 to 15 sacks at a time. To ensure a more structured and sustainable supply chain, the NTB Provincial Government plans to introduce a Governor’s Regulation (Pergub) concerning the distribution of essentials through KDMP.

    Governor Iqbal asserted, “This cooperative must evolve into a robust business unit, not just a social organization. Members need to begin engaging in business. We aim for essential goods distribution to be led by village cooperatives to stimulate local economies.”

    He also mentioned that the Indonesian Armed Forces (TNI) would lend support in establishing cooperative outlets should any challenges arise. For cooperatives lacking land of at least 10 ares, potential sites include local high schools (SMA and SMK), contingent upon further coordination.

    On the financial front, Governor Iqbal shared that KDMP could utilize the People’s Business Credit (KUR) scheme from Bank NTB, which will offer a 5.7 percent interest rate starting in June. Furthermore, the provincial government will subsidize this interest rate.

    “Feel free to take advantage of KUR from Bank NTB with the 5.7 percent interest rate. From June onwards, we will subsidize the interest. Therefore, it’s crucial for the cooperative to meticulously structure its business plan so that this venture can operate and flourish effectively,” he stated.

    With regulatory support, financing options, and cross-sector collaboration, KDMP Samili is expected to evolve into a key distribution center for essential goods, while driving economic independence for the communities in Woha and surrounding areas.

  • Nusa Tenggara Barat Launches Lentera Ramadan Program in Bima

    Nusa Tenggara Barat Launches Lentera Ramadan Program in Bima

    Lombok Zone – The provincial government of Nusa Tenggara Barat (NTB) has kicked off its Lentera Ramadan program at the Al-Muwahidin Grand Mosque in Bima City, marking a significant moment in the Islamic calendar.

    This initiative is part of the 2026 Lentera Ramadan series, which is being hosted for the first time across various districts in NTB.

    Lentera Ramadan aims to enhance Islamic outreach, promote religious activities, and empower local economies during the holy month of Ramadan. The program includes religious teachings, competitions, bazaars for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), as well as education on business and digital marketing.

    Governor Lalu Muhamad Iqbal emphasized the shift from previous years when Ramadan activities were centered in Mataram. Starting this year, events are set to rotate across all regions of NTB. “We want development to not be focused only on Mataram but to reach every corner, including cities and regencies like Bima,” he stated.

    The Lentera Ramadan schedule kicked off in North Lombok from February 25 to March 1, 2026, followed by Bima City on March 2-3, Central Lombok from March 4 to 8, and concluding at the Hubbul Wathan Islamic Center in Mataram from March 11 to 17.

    Highlighting development strategies, Governor Iqbal asserted that the focus must not solely be on the capital. The government is committed to enhancing health services in Sumbawa Island by upgrading the provincial hospital there to Type B. This change means residents will no longer need to travel to Mataram for essential services like cath lab procedures, heart examinations, and other critical care.

    Additionally, there are plans to elevate the status of Bima City Hospital from Type D to Type C. Starting June 2026, vital health services will be available in Bima, reducing the need for patients to be referred to Mataram, a move aimed at alleviating the economic burden on families who often spend extended periods in the capital.

    Governor Iqbal commended the integration of mosque activities with economic initiatives through the MSME bazaar, noting that this approach symbolizes a balance between spiritual and economic strength. “Mosques and markets can coexist, reflecting harmony between worldly affairs and the hereafter,” he remarked.

    In Bima City, Vice Mayor Feri Sofiyan shared the day’s activities, which began with an inspection of Amahami Market alongside the NTB Vice Governor, followed by a readiness ceremony at the city government office and visits to supported MSMEs and families in extreme poverty.

    He expressed gratitude for the support from the provincial leaders, stating their presence inspires local officials to improve services for the community.

    Recently, Bima’s economy has shown a positive growth trend of around 4-5% annually, driven primarily by trade and services. Despite relatively high inflation, market inspections have revealed stable prices for key commodities, including chili peppers and essential goods.

    The Bima City Government is committed to ensuring food availability during Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr with stable and affordable prices.

    Through the Lentera Ramadan 1447 H program, the NTB government aspires to foster a spirit of togetherness, equitable development, and economic empowerment among the community throughout NTB, particularly in Bima City.

    Attendees included NTB Governor Lalu Muhamad Iqbal, NTB Vice Governor Indah Dhamayanti Putri, Bima City Vice Mayor Feri Sofiyan, and other local officials.