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  • Governor Iqbal Urges Harmony Ahead of Nyepi and Idul Fitri in NTB

    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.
  • Exciting Ngabers Event Brings K-Pop Fans Together in Lombok

    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.

  • Strengthening Environmental Commitment: Indonesia Asri Program Launched in Bima

    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.

  • Mataram Celebrates 32nd Anniversary with Notable Achievements and Future Aspirations

    Mataram Celebrates 32nd Anniversary with Notable Achievements and Future Aspirations

    As the city of Mataram marks its 32nd anniversary, it stands not only as the capital of the West Nusa Tenggara Province (NTB) but also as a representation of the province on both national and international stages. This sentiment was expressed by NTB Governor L. Muhammad Iqbal in a speech delivered by Mataram Mayor H. Mohan Roliskana during the city’s anniversary ceremony held on Sunday, August 31, 2025, at Sangkareang Field.

    Governor Iqbal highlighted that Mataram, established as an autonomous city 32 years ago, has transformed into a significant barometer for NTB. This anniversary serves as an opportunity to reflect on the city’s journey, appreciate its achievements, and solidify future directions. In the past year, Mataram has garnered remarkable accomplishments worth celebrating.

    Achievements and Recognition

    Among its accolades, Mataram was awarded the title of Most Innovative City at the 2024 Innovative Government Award. This recognition underscores the city’s ability to not only keep pace with modern developments but also to leap forward with innovative governance and public service initiatives tailored to community needs.

    The city also achieved an unbroken streak of 11 consecutive unqualified opinions (WTP) from the Audit Board of Indonesia, reflecting rigorous financial management marked by accountability, transparency, and consistency. Furthermore, Mataram was ranked as the second most advanced city outside Java in the 2025 report by the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN), highlighting its role as a driver of progress in eastern Indonesia and opening doors for broader investment and development partnerships.

    Community and Cultural Milestones

    These achievements are attributed to visionary leadership, bureaucratic diligence, community creativity, business contributions, and the support of religious leaders. Governor Iqbal praised these efforts, emphasizing that unity between the government and citizens can achieve the seemingly impossible.

    Local achievements also include Karang Pule Village in the Sekarbela District winning a national competition for villages, demonstrating that the strength of Mataram lies not only in government offices but also at the grassroots level. Additionally, Mataram emerged as the overall champion in the 2024 NTB Regional Recreation Festival, securing 130 medals, which reinforces its status as a hub for recreational sports excellence in NTB.

    Looking to the Future

    During the ceremony, Mayor Roliskana stressed that accolades should be viewed as stepping stones towards improving the quality of life for residents. As the city faces challenges such as rapid urbanization, infrastructure demands, climate change, and complex public service needs, the mayor remains optimistic that these can be tackled through collective effort and unity.

    In line with the anniversary theme “Our City, Our Future,” the mayor called on all stakeholders to recognize that Mataram’s future is a shared responsibility. He urged the community to empower the youth, providing them with opportunities to innovate and contribute, as they are the future stewards of the city.

    The anniversary celebration also featured several significant events, including the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between internal government auditors and law enforcement, the handover of copyrights, launching of organic waste processing initiatives, and distribution of various aids and facilities to support the community.

    Concluding his remarks, the mayor encouraged residents to foster unity and community spirit, asserting that a truly great city is defined by its strong solidarity rather than towering buildings.