Category: Economy

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

Pepito Market Kuta Mandalika Reopens with a Fresh Concept and Premium Culinary Experience

On December 25, 2025, Pepito Market Kuta Mandalika celebrated its grand reopening, unveiling a revamped, modern, and more comfortable shopping experience for its visitors. This renovation also marks the return of Pepi Bistro, which now offers a practical yet premium culinary concept aimed at satisfying the needs of both local residents and tourists in the Mandalika area.

A Revamped Shopping Experience

As a beloved shopping destination, Pepito Market has significantly enhanced its fresh food section, particularly with the introduction of the New Butcher Section. This area provides a wider array of meats, fresh fish, poultry, and an assortment of cheeses, catering to the needs of households, villas, and the hospitality industry within Mandalika.

Culinary Delights at Pepi Bistro

Beyond shopping, visitors can indulge in a variety of ready-to-eat dishes at Pepi Bistro. Signature offerings such as the juicy Roasted Chicken Pepito and a Salad Buffet featuring fresh vegetables that can be mixed to one’s liking, make for a convenient culinary solution all in one location. Additionally, Pepi Bistro enhances the dining experience with its Baker’s Corner, offering cake slices and a selection of premium ready-to-eat meals.

The reopening of Pepito Market Kuta Mandalika underscores Pepito’s commitment to providing a premium supermarket experience that not only offers high-quality food products but also delivers a modern, comfortable, and efficient shopping and dining experience in one of NTB’s premier tourist areas.

December 25, 2025
KNPI Leadership in NTB Affirmed as Daud Azhari Takes Helm

The Deputy Chairman of the Central Executive Board of the Indonesian Youth National Committee (KNPI), Rindawanto Evendi, declared unequivocally that the recent Regional Conference (Musda) of KNPI in West Nusa Tenggara (NTB) has definitively elected Daud Azhari as the Chairman of KNPI NTB for the 2025-2028 term.

Rindawanto, who is popularly known as Rindhot, stated that the Musda’s outcome was officially witnessed by key figures including the General Chairman Ali Hanafiah, Secretary-General Guntur, the Treasurer, the Daily Chairman, and other vice chairmen, along with former chairperson Haerunnisa. He emphasized that there should be no controversy regarding the election, asserting, “Daud is clear and definitively elected as the chairman.”

Rindhot further highlighted that the Musda had concluded with a legitimate decision that binds all organizational elements. As such, any subsequent continuation of the Musda lacks organizational legitimacy and contradicts the governance principles of the KNPI.

He expressed concern that the continuation of the Musda only serves to complicate matters, hindering the youth consolidation process in NTB. This move is seen as contrary to the spirit of unity and risks creating a leadership duality that could harm the organization.

“KNPI must operate based on decisions from the legitimate highest forum. The continuation of Musda cannot be referenced for leadership,” Rindhot asserted.

He reiterated his commitment to uphold the dignity of the organization while adhering to the established rules and Musda outcomes. He called on all KNPI elements in NTB to end the disputes and refocus on the strategic role of youth in regional development.

This stance is emphasized as a responsibility to ensure that KNPI remains a unifying platform for youth, rather than a battleground for conflicting interests.

December 15, 2025
Boosting Lombok Tourism: A Coffee-Fueled Collaboration Toffin NTB – Mandalika Hotel Association

In an exciting move to enhance the image of Wellness & Wellnest Tourism in Mandalika, TOFFIN NTB has teamed up with the Mandalika Hotel Association (MHA). This strategic partnership is a big step forward in promoting education, literacy, and empowerment for tourism and coffee-based creative industries in West Nusa Tenggara.

The collaboration aims to integrate coffee culture with the hospitality and tourism sectors, positioning Lombok as an experience-based tourism destination with global appeal.

Exciting Programs on the Horizon

Several standout programs are planned, including the 2026 Calendar Event collaboration, which will feature themed activities around coffee, hospitality, and local culinary innovation. Additionally, a Roadshow Side Event will host latte art competitions, pastry training, and beverage innovation workshops using Lombok coffee. These events will bring together baristas, chefs, small business owners, and tourism students.

I Putu Agus Surya Negara, Toffin Bali Sales Executive Supervisor and TOFFIN NTB Representative, emphasized that this partnership is a testament to TOFFIN’s commitment to building a globally competitive national coffee ecosystem. “We believe that coffee is not just a product but a part of cultural identity and lifestyle. Through synergy with the Mandalika Hotel Association, we aim to add value to Lombok’s tourism industry while opening new opportunities for baristas, coffee entrepreneurs, and hospitality players in the region,” he said.

A Vision for the Future

Lalu Sandika Irwan, Head of Public Relations at MHA, highlighted that this collaboration aligns with MHA’s vision to strengthen the capacity of hotel human resources and elevate the standard of tourism services in Mandalika. “We see tremendous potential in the coffee industry to become a new tourism magnet for Lombok. This collaboration will provide sustainable educational and empowerment opportunities for our members while supporting the broader Wellnest Tourism agenda in NTB,” he noted.

About TOFFIN Indonesia
TOFFIN is a leading provider of coffee business solutions and food services in Indonesia. With a national network and international reputation, TOFFIN is committed to supporting the growth of the coffee industry through training, product innovation, and strategic cross-sector collaborations.

About Mandalika Hotel Association (MHA)
The Mandalika Hotel Association is the official body for hotel businesses in the Mandalika area, Central Lombok. MHA plays an active role in advancing sustainable tourism through collaboration, human resource development, and innovation based on local potential.

October 24, 2025
NTB Government Prepares for MotoGP Mandalika 2025 with Strategic Social and Economic Plans

A coordination meeting was held in anticipation of the MotoGP event scheduled to take place at the Pertamina Mandalika International Circuit in October 2025. The meeting convened at the Hajar Aswad Meeting Room, Bank NTB Syariah, on Monday, September 8. Key figures in attendance included the Governor of West Nusa Tenggara (NTB), Lalu Muhamad Iqbal, Deputy Governor Indah Dhamayanti Putri, Chair of the NTB Regional House of Representatives Baiq Isvie Rupaeda, Acting Secretary of the NTB Province Lalu Moh. Faozal, members of the Regional Leadership Coordination Forum (Forkopimda), and various regional leaders and stakeholders.

In his address, Governor Iqbal emphasized the importance of conveying a positive image to the international community, showcasing Indonesia as a safe and capable host for this prestigious global racing event. He called for support from the Mandalika Grand Prix Association (MGPA) and the Indonesia Tourism Development Corporation (ITDC) to ensure the event’s success despite any challenges.

The governor highlighted new flight routes from Malang and Yogyakarta, set to commence this month, as a means to boost ticket sales for the 2025 MotoGP. He also stressed the necessity of involving local cultural, religious, and youth leaders in the Mandalika area to foster social support and respect for the local community.

Governor Iqbal relayed a message from Minister of Home Affairs Tito Karnavian, underscoring the importance of accompanying the MotoGP with social activities. Such initiatives, he noted, would be simple yet effective in making local leaders and communities feel valued. By acknowledging them as integral hosts, these efforts aim to garner their full support for the event’s success, thereby allowing the focus to remain on the event itself without security concerns, thanks to the community’s backing.

September 9, 2025
Mendagri Emphasizes Regional Strategy for Inflation Control in 2025

Mataram – In response to evolving economic conditions, regional governments in Indonesia are urged to collaborate effectively and devise precise strategies to manage inflation in 2025. This was emphasized by the Minister of Home Affairs, Tito Karnavian, during a coordination meeting organized virtually by the Ministry of Home Affairs on Tuesday, September 2, 2025.

The meeting was attended by several national officials, including the Coordinating Minister for Food Affairs, Zulkifli Hasan; the Head of the Presidential Office, AM Putranto; the Head of the Presidential Communication Office, Hasan Nasbi; the Head of the Central Statistics Agency (BPS), Amalia Adininggar Widyasanti; and the Head of the National Food Agency, H. Arief Prasetyo Ad. Minister Tito Karnavian urged regional leaders to focus on initiatives that directly address public needs, such as the distribution of rice through the Stabilization of Supply and Food Prices (SPHP) program, conducting affordable market operations, and implementing programs that help stabilize basic commodity prices.

H. Lalu Alwan Basri, the Regional Secretary of Mataram City, along with Mohammad Reza Nugraha, the Head of the Mataram City Central Statistics Agency, and Andhi Wahyu Riyadno, Deputy Head of the Bank Indonesia Representative Office in West Nusa Tenggara, participated in the meeting from the Kenari Room of the Mataram Mayor’s Office. The officials paid close attention to the Minister’s directives regarding the current national economic situation and strategies for inflation control in 2025.

The coordination meeting, which included governors, regents, and mayors from across Indonesia, saw Minister Tito Karnavian stress the importance of regional leaders being attuned to the ongoing societal conditions, which are deemed not yet fully stable. He advised local governments to avoid excessive ceremonial activities that could potentially cause public unrest.

September 3, 2025
Fatimah Zahra Inaugurates First Branch Office in Mataram

Mataram, the capital city of West Nusa Tenggara Province, is increasingly becoming a hub for business development, offering a secure and welcoming environment for both residents and entrepreneurs. The city’s attractiveness for various industry sectors, including Hajj and Umrah travel services, is evident with the inauguration of Fatimah Zahra’s first branch office in Mataram.

The new branch, located on Jalan Sriwijaya in Mataram Timur, officially opened on Monday, September 1, 2025. Fatimah Zahra, a specialized Hajj and Umrah travel company headquartered in Semarang, Central Java, aims to expand its services to the local and provincial markets.

During the inauguration, the Deputy Mayor of Mataram, TGH Mujiburrahman, expressed his appreciation for the company’s presence in the city. He highlighted Mataram’s openness to economic and service sector activities, reinforcing the city’s potential as a significant market for Hajj and Umrah pilgrims.

He encouraged Fatimah Zahra to deliver humanistic services, educating and motivating prospective pilgrims to view Hajj and Umrah as sincere acts of worship, supported by proper religious guidance. “We should be grateful to Allah SWT for having a new alternative for performing Hajj and Umrah, allowing for more flexible scheduling to meet pilgrims’ needs,” he remarked.

H. Muhammad Rifki Azadi, Chief Executive of Fatimah Zahra, expressed gratitude for establishing the company’s first branch in Lombok. The relationship with Lombok, he noted, has been long-standing, with many of the company’s guides hailing from the region. This connection has been instrumental in maintaining high service standards.

H. Amrullah, the branch head and a Lombok native, shared that the branch’s opening is a realization of a long-held dream, acknowledging the trust placed in the local community. He emphasized that Hajj and Umrah are spiritual journeys requiring sincere service and guidance based on the Quran and Sunnah.

The company remains committed to its motto, “Always Ready,” ensuring readiness in intention, knowledge, service, and support for pilgrims, promising never to leave them alone in their spiritual journey.

September 3, 2025
Asap Food Launches Online Shopping App in Central Lombok

The online shopping application Asap Food has officially launched in Kuta, Central Lombok. The launch event took place at Pepito Kuta, a partner of Asap Food & Grocery, and featured a traditional Gandrung dance as part of the festivities.

This collaboration between Asap Food and Pepito aims to simplify shopping needs for both tourists and local residents in Kuta and the surrounding areas. The partnership is expected to offer easy access to a variety of food products and daily necessities through an innovative digital platform.

The launch marks an important step in supporting both local tourism and the economy, providing a shopping service that is not only efficient but also accessible to everyone.

August 29, 2025