Tag: NTB

NTB Government Establishes Saleh Bay as Conservation Area

Lombok Zone – The government of West Nusa Tenggara (NTB) has taken a significant step by designating Saleh Bay as a conservation area, aiming to guide tourism development towards ecosystem protection rather than short-term exploitation.

This new policy is outlined in West Nusa Tenggara Governor’s Decree No. 100.3.3.1-196 of 2026 regarding the Reservation of Conservation Areas and the Protection of Whale Sharks in Saleh Bay Waters.

This designation reflects a shift in development strategy, prioritizing conservation as the foundational element while allowing economic and tourism activities to align with environmental capacity limits.

Dr. H. Ahsanul Khalik, the Head of the NTB Communication, Informatics, and Statistics Office, as well as the Spokesperson for the NTB Provincial Government, emphasized that this initiative is part of the government’s commitment to sustainable development that leverages ecosystem strengths.

“Saleh Bay is not developed through exploitation but through the protection of its ecosystem. That’s where its competitiveness and sustainability lie,” he remarked.

The designated area spans 73,165.05 hectares and is reserved as a species-based conservation zone, protecting the habitat of whale sharks (Rhincodon typus), including feeding areas, growth zones, and natural migration routes throughout the year.

This governor’s policy asserts that all development plans, including tourism feasibility studies, must adhere to the established conservation principles. Dr. Khalik, often called Aka, stated, “Feasibility studies must follow the conservation policy direction, not the other way around.”

This approach ensures that development in the area does not compromise the ecosystem, but instead leverages it as the primary strength in creating sustainable economic value.

The NTB Provincial Government believes that this step will provide a clear direction for investment while maintaining a balance between environmental preservation and the welfare of coastal communities.

With a strong conservation foundation, Saleh Bay is positioned to become an ecosystem-based tourism destination that is not only competitive on a global scale but also resilient in the long run, he concluded.

May 10, 2026
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.

March 27, 2026
Celebrating Eid al-Fitr 1447 H: Muhammadiyah Prayer Locations in NTB
Lombok Zone – The Muhammadiyah Regional Leadership of Nusa Tenggara Barat has officially announced the venues for the Eid al-Fitr prayer for the year 1447 Hijriah. This announcement includes various locations across multiple districts and cities in NTB, along with details about the designated imams and khatibs who will lead the prayers.

Prayer Locations and Details
- Sumbawa Barat
  - Location: Pahlawan Field Sumbawa
    Imam: Ust. Fiqri Rabuna, S.Pd.
    Khatib: Dr. Abdul Wahab, MA
- Dompu
  - Location: GOR Dompu Field
    Imam & Khatib: Fahruddin, M.Ag
- Kota Bima
  - Location: Campus 1 Field, UM Bima
    Imam: Dr. Nasaruddin, M.Pd.I
    Khatib: H. Amman Fushilat, S.Pd.I
  - Location: Campus 2 Field, UM Bima
    Imam: Imranul Karim, S.Pd.I
    Khatib: Dr. Ilham, M.Pd.I
- Lombok Timur
  - Location: Muhammadiyah Educational Complex, Selong
    Imam & Khatib: TGH. M. Arhandika Rahman, LC
  - Location: Tanjung Teros Public Field
    Imam & Khatib: Prof. Dr. H. Hirsanuddin, S.H., M.H
  - Location: SDN 1 Sembalun Lawang Field
    Imam: Ust. Salehudin
    Khatib: Ust. Restu Hadi Seno
  - Location: Labuhan Haji Dock Field
    Imam & Khatib: Ust. Jamaludin, S.Pd.I
  - Location: Muhammadiyah Masbagik Complex
    Imam & Khatib: Ust. Jundi, S.Pd.I
  - Location: Bonar Pancor Bersatu Field
    Imam: Ustadz Khaerul Anwar, S.Pd.I
    Khatib: Dr. H. Zaenudin, M.Pd.I
- Lombok Utara
  - Location: Mushalla Aisyiyah Lekok Tenggara
    Imam: Muhammad Hilmi, S.Sos
    Khatib: Efendi, M.Pd
- Mataram
  - Location: Muhammadiyah University Mataram Field
    Imam & Khatib: Ust. Muhibburrahman, Lc., M.Pd
  - Location: UMMAT Medical Faculty Field
    Imam & Khatib: Ust. Najamuddin, M.Pd.I
  - Location: Masjid Darul Arqam PWM NTB Karang Pule Field
    Imam: Ust. Lukmanul Hakim
    Khatib: Prof. Dr. Subhan Abdullah Achim, MA
- Lombok Barat
  - Location: Ir. H. Sadiman Boarding School
    Imam: Muhammad Zulkifli, M.Sos
    Khatib: Ahmadi Maya Imran, M.Pd
  - Location: Peresak Village Public Field
    Imam: Drs. H. Achmad Fauzi
    Khatib: PWM NTB Chairperson (Dr. TGH. Falahuddin, M.Ag)
- Lombok Tengah
  - Location: Muhammadiyah Lombok Tengah Dakwah Building
    Imam: Dr. Fathurrahman, M.Ag
    Khatib: Dr. H. Nasri Anggara, M.Pd.I
This information is provided by the Muhammadiyah NTB to guide the community in conducting Eid al-Fitr prayers in line with Muhammadiyah’s provisions.
March 19, 2026
Celebrating Diversity: Ogoh-Ogoh Parade in Mataram Marks Special Religious Occasions

Lombok Zone – The spirit of tolerance and diversity was vividly showcased in Mataram, West Nusa Tenggara (NTB) as thousands of Hindu Dharma followers participated in the Ogoh-Ogoh parade. This event welcomed the Nyepi Day and the Saka New Year, coinciding beautifully with the holy month of Ramadan this year.

Governor Lalu Muhamad Iqbal, alongside Hj. Sinta Agathia M Iqbal, the head of NTB’s TP. PKK, and Mataram Mayor H. Mohan Roliskana, expressed their admiration for the dedication and creativity displayed by the Hindu community in putting together this cultural event. He noted that the Ogoh-Ogoh creations were exceptional works of art, meticulously crafted to perfection.

“Together with the Mayor of Mataram, we are amazed at how the Hindu Dharma community expresses their artistic talents and seriousness. None of the Ogoh-Ogoh looked subpar; they were all prepared with great care,” he commented during his visit on Wednesday, March 18, 2026.

This year’s celebration was notably special as two significant religious holidays, Nyepi for Hindus and Idul Fitri for Muslims, occurred in such close proximity. The Governor referred to this coincidence as a “remarkable blessing,” highlighting that approximately 99 percent of the NTB population is collectively engaged in a process of self-purification.

“With nearly 96 percent of the NTB population being Muslim and about 3 percent Hindu, this means 99 percent of our community is undergoing purification together. This is a good sign that peace, comfort, and order will always accompany us,” he added.

He also emphasized to the press that this event serves as a tangible demonstration to the international community of NTB’s maturity in religious practices and its strong roots of tolerance that have been nurtured for centuries.

The orderly conduct of the event is hoped to set a new standard for future celebrations, reinforcing NTB’s reputation as a harmonious province amidst diversity.

March 18, 2026
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 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.

March 15, 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
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.

March 10, 2026