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.
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Gubernur Nusa Tenggara Barat Lalu Muhamad Iqbal melakukan kunjungan ke Pasar Brang Biji, Kabupaten Sumbawa Besar
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Exciting Ngabers Event Brings K-Pop Fans Together in Lombok
Lombok Zone – The recent Ngabers event, featuring fun activities and iftar, was a lively celebration for K-Pop enthusiasts in Lombok. This annual gathering saw participation from 15 different K-Pop dance cover groups, showcasing the vibrant culture of K-Pop within the region.
Taking place on March 7, 2026, at Upnormal Coffee in Mataram from 5 PM to 10 PM, this year’s Ngabers also served as a precursor to the highly anticipated HOBICON 2026, scheduled for June 2026. The event attracted hundreds of dedicated K-Pop lovers who are part of KPopSquadLombok, fostering a sense of community and shared passion for music and dance.
HOBICON, which stands for Hobby & Community Connect, is a regular event that connects various hobbyist communities across Indonesia, particularly in NTB. This year marks the fourth iteration of HOBICON, emphasizing its growing significance as a cultural gathering for fans of diverse interests.
The enthusiastic atmosphere of Ngabers exemplifies the camaraderie and excitement that K-Pop fans bring to their gatherings, making it a memorable event for all participants.
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NTB Police Prepare for Safe Idul Fitri Celebrations
Lombok Zone – The West Nusa Tenggara Police (Polda NTB) is ramping up its preparations for ensuring safety and security as the celebration of Idul Fitri 1447 Hijriah approaches. On March 6, 2026, a cross-sectoral coordination meeting was held to align efforts across various agencies.
This important gathering took place at the Sasana Dharma building, led by the Chief of NTB Police, Inspector General Edy Murbowo, and included participation from provincial government officials, military representatives, and other key stakeholders essential to effectively managing the influx of travelers during the holiday period.
Inspector General Edy emphasized that the primary goal of this coordination meeting was to strengthen the collaboration between different agencies in light of the anticipated increase in community mobility during Eid travel. He remarked, “The coordination also focuses on personnel readiness, infrastructure, and security strategies at various vulnerable points.”
The police chief highlighted the necessity of inter-agency cooperation as the cornerstone of ensuring a safe, orderly, and conducive environment during the peak travel times and Eid celebrations. He stated, “Securing Eid festivities requires support from all parties, including local government, military, related agencies, and community elements.”
This meeting serves as a platform for all parties to unify their perspectives, outline strategic measures, and guarantee the readiness of services for those traveling for Eid and celebrating across the West Nusa Tenggara region.
With a robust inter-sectoral synergy, the NTB police hope that the Idul Fitri 1447 Hijriah celebrations will be safe, orderly, and provide a comfortable experience for the community, whether they are celebrating or traveling home.
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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.
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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.
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Governor Iqbal Strengthens Village Economy Through Cooperatives
Lombok Zone – The Governor of West Nusa Tenggara (NTB), Lalu Muhamad Iqbal, has expressed his unwavering commitment to enhancing the village economy by promoting the development of cooperatives and community-based business ecosystems. His remarks came during a meeting with the management of the Merah Putih Melayu Asakota Cooperative in Bima City on Monday, March 2.
Governor Iqbal highlighted that the local government is poised to assist in advancing technology and formulating business plans to ensure that cooperatives and village enterprises operate effectively. He also mentioned that support would be provided to facilitate access to capital through banking channels.
“We will help draft the business plans to enable them to apply for bank loans. It’s crucial that these cooperatives are engaged in actual business, not just operating storefronts,” he stressed.
He pointed out that the distribution chain for agricultural products has been excessively lengthy, resulting in farmers not reaping optimal profits. The produce goes through various intermediaries before reaching the market, which adversely affects the farmers’ bargaining power.
The cooperative concept championed by the government aims to shorten this distribution chain. With cooperatives, farmers can sell their products directly to the market or end buyers, thereby improving their bargaining position in price negotiations.
Governor Iqbal also encouraged the development of productive enterprises in villages, such as small-scale egg-laying poultry farms and greenhouse horticulture. These business models are considered practical for meeting local market demands while reducing dependence on external supplies.
He cited that through collective chicken coop management, villages could produce thousands of eggs weekly, marketed via cooperatives. Similarly, cultivating chili and daily consumption vegetables could satisfy high community demand.
During the event, he also provided support in the form of infrastructure and equipment to the Merah Putih Melayu Asakota Cooperative, underscoring the government’s tangible commitment to accelerate cooperative operations and business development in the villages.
He reiterated that strengthening the village economy transcends mere political discourse; it is a significant endeavor towards improving community welfare. “If it’s about politics, we can discuss it in its own arena. However, addressing the economic concerns of the people is a task we must undertake together,” he concluded.
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Strengthening Environmental Commitment: Indonesia Asri Program Launched in Bima
Lombok Zone – In a bid to tackle waste management challenges and promote sustainable living, the Vice Governor of West Nusa Tenggara (NTB), Indah Dhamayanti Putri, held a readiness rally for the Indonesia Asri and NTB Asri Berkelanjutan programs at the Bima City Mayor’s Office on Monday, March 2.
This event serves as a reaffirmation of the collective commitment to enhance environmental quality and address ongoing waste issues. During her address, Vice Governor Dinda emphasized that the Indonesia Asri movement is part of a national directive aimed at revitalizing the spirit of mutual cooperation to achieve a clean and healthy environment.
“Waste management can no longer rely on traditional methods of collecting, transporting, and disposing of waste. We must transition to an integrated system that starts from the source to the final processing facility,” stated Vice Governor Dinda.
The NTB provincial government recognizes that waste management remains a shared challenge. Of the ten landfills in NTB, only a portion currently employs a controlled system, while the rest require further organization. This represents a significant task that must be accomplished gradually, with measurable and sustainable steps.
Additionally, improving the Environmental Quality Index (IKLH) is also a priority. By 2025, the IKLH for NTB is projected to reach 77.4, categorized as good but still below the national target. “Parameters like air quality, water quality, and land cover are focal points for improvement, which will be driven by consistent reforestation and greening initiatives,” she added.
“The Indonesia Asri and NTB Asri Berkelanjutan movements are not just ceremonial; they call for real action. Waste management must begin at the source and be executed systematically and measurably,” emphasized Vice Governor Dinda.
In a demonstration of commitment, the rally included a tree-planting ceremony in front of the Bima Mayor’s Office, where a pule tree was planted. This act symbolizes the shared dedication towards enhancing greening efforts and maintaining environmental balance in urban areas.
“We intend to use Ramadan as an opportunity to solidify our commitment to environmental care. Today’s tree planting serves as a reminder that change begins with small steps, but these steps must be taken consistently and collectively,” she continued.
The government is encouraging all stakeholders, including local authorities, businesses, schools, religious institutions, and community organizations, to participate in making this movement a sustainable collective effort.
“Without a healthy environment, development will lack a solid foundation. Therefore, let us work together towards a clean, green, and sustainable NTB for future generations,” concluded Vice Governor Dinda.

