Tag: Governor Iqbal

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
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
Gelegar Lentera Ramadan 2026 Kicks Off in Lombok with a Vibrant Celebration

Governor Launches Unique Ramadan Event

Lombok Zone – The Governor of West Nusa Tenggara, Lalu Muhamad Iqbal, officially inaugurated the ‘Gelegar Lentera Ramadan 2026’ at Tioq Tata Tunaq Square in North Lombok on Wednesday, February 25, 2026. The event was highlighted by a performance from the renowned religious singer, Opick.

Governor Iqbal emphasized that this year’s Ramadan festivities would be distinct from those of previous years, focusing on equitable benefits for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs). He stated, “Last year, the Ramadan event was mainly centered in one location. This time, we have spread it out across various regions.”

He underlined the need for economic empowerment to reach different districts and cities so that local business owners can directly experience the economic flow during Ramadan. “The spirit of MSME empowerment, which was previously concentrated at the Islamic Center Hubbul Wathan, should be extended to other areas to ensure that MSMEs from various districts also benefit,” he added.

Event Schedule and Goals

The Gelegar Lentera Ramadan 2026 will unfold gradually, starting in North Lombok from February 25 to March 1, 2026. Following this, the event will move to Bima City on March 2-3, then to Central Lombok from March 4 to 8, and will conclude back at the Islamic Center Hubbul Wathan.

Ahmad Nur Aulia, the Head of the NTB Tourism and Creative Economy Office, described the event as a platform designed to boost community economic activities through cross-sector collaboration. He stated, “This event provides a space for religious expression and entertainment for the community.”

Aulia noted the partnership with Bank NTB Syariah to ensure that the blessings of Ramadan reach the families involved in MSMEs. The event’s highlight is the performance by Opick, intended to entertain the local audience.

“This event also forms part of the local government’s strategy to foster culture and religious-based activities that have a direct impact on the local economy and equitable economic activities across NTB regions,” he mentioned.

Opick, whose real name is Aunur Rofiq Lil Firdaus, expressed his joy at returning to NTB. He mentioned that this visit felt different compared to his previous ones. “Today, the weather is rainy. I hope our fasting goes smoothly,” Opick remarked before performing his song, Maulana, at the Gelegar Lentera Ramadan stage in North Lombok.

February 25, 2026