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Tag: NTB

  • Strengthening the Role of KDMP Samili in Bima’s Economic Growth

    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.

  • Governor Iqbal Strengthens Village Economy Through Cooperatives

    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.
  • 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.

  • Seaplane Services Set to Transform Connectivity in NTB

    Seaplane Services Set to Transform Connectivity in NTB

    Lombok Zone – On February 28, 2026, a significant milestone was marked with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding aimed at developing seaplane services in NTB. The agreement was executed by NTB Governor Lalu Muhamad Iqbal, Central Lombok Regent H. Lalu Fathul Bahri, and PT Abadi Mega Angkutan, in the presence of Indonesia’s Minister of Transportation Dudy Purwagandhi. This initiative is not merely a new tourism route; it’s a foundational step toward enhancing connectivity across the islands of NTB.

    The push for improved connectivity aligns with the regional development goals articulated in the RPJMD, which emphasizes quality tourism, effective connectivity, and the blue economy as key competitive pillars. For an archipelagic province like NTB, robust connectivity is a prerequisite for equitable growth.

    Governor Iqbal understands the challenges posed by NTB’s numerous smaller islands, where accessibility often hampers potential development. While marine transport remains essential, its reliance on weather conditions can lead to lengthy travel times, sometimes lasting several hours. In contrast, seaplane services could significantly reduce these durations to mere minutes, representing a major leap in travel efficiency.

    Choosing the Batujai Dam as the operational base for the seaplane services was a decision backed by meticulous technical calculations. Its proximity to Zainuddin Abdul Madjid International Airport allows for several operational advantages:

    • Centralized Air Traffic Control (ATC) enhances communication and oversight, minimizing operational fragmentation.
    • Efficient navigation is achieved due to the close distance to essential infrastructure, reducing the need for expensive separate systems.
    • Integrated facilities lower duplication costs, improving the project’s financial viability.
    • Safety protocols benefit from quicker emergency response due to the alignment with the international airport’s operational ecosystem.

    Thus, the choice of Batujai was driven by aviation logic and safety standards rather than aesthetic considerations. The development roadmap emphasizes a phased and measured approach, starting with:

    • Ensuring the waterbase meets aviation safety standards and Ministry of Transportation regulations.
    • Synchronizing licensing and operational SOPs, including procedures for water aerodromes.
    • Constructing environmentally friendly facilities.
    • Conducting operational trials prior to route expansion.

    Coordination with dam management will ensure that the primary functions of irrigation remain protected. The seaplane operations are designed to coexist with existing infrastructure without compromising water governance or safety.

    From an economic perspective, the seaplane initiative supports a strategy of low-volume, high-value tourism, wherein controlled tourist numbers yield greater economic contributions. Its impact extends beyond just aviation operators to:

    • Boosting visits to smaller islands.
    • Increasing occupancy rates for homestays and eco-resorts.
    • Fostering the growth of coastal SMEs.
    • Enhancing local tourism revenue.

    In a 5–10 year outlook, this swift connectivity could stimulate investments in small island resorts, broaden the conservation tourism market, and streamline logistics for high-value fish commodities.

    This air-water connectivity also has cross-sector implications:

    • It promotes the blue economy by facilitating the mobility of entrepreneurs and investors.
    • It enables emergency medical access from remote islands.
    • It strengthens regional links among Bali, NTB, and NTT in tourism and investment flows.
    • It acts as a catalyst for sustainability-focused areas that blend conservation with local economic growth.

    In conclusion, the seaplane initiative is not just a standalone project; it is a pivotal hub for integrating policies that encompass tourism, fisheries, investment, and sustainable development. Public apprehensions regarding the elitism of the service are being addressed, as initial premium segments are set to unlock broader economic benefits through job creation, SME partnerships, and local services.

    Concerns about environmental friendliness are also being tackled, with facilities designed according to green principles and safety regulations that ensure economic growth aligns with sustainability.

    The policy is built on transparency and accountability, foundational elements that will help earn public legitimacy. NTB’s differentiated advantage of an integrated waterbase with an international airport strengthens its position in the national and regional tourism map.

    Governor Iqbal emphasizes that this initiative transforms NTB from merely being a prime destination into a connected and competitive archipelagic ecosystem. The Batujai seaplane service marks not the end, but the beginning of a strategic repositioning for NTB, showcasing its ability to manage its geography intelligently and sustainably. If executed consistently, this policy will not just open access to hundreds of islands but also usher in a new chapter of equitable, modern, and sustainable development.

  • Strategic Development in East Lombok: A Vision for Economic Growth

    Strategic Development in East Lombok: A Vision for Economic Growth

    East Lombok’s Vital Role in NTB’s Development

    Lombok Zone – The Governor of West Nusa Tenggara (NTB), Lalu Muhamad Iqbal, recently emphasized the strategic importance of East Lombok in the provincial development agenda. With a population nearing 1.5 million, representing almost a quarter of NTB’s total population of 5.7 million, East Lombok is seen as a crucial player in accelerating regional economic growth. This statement was made during the Ramadan Safari event at Al-Muttaqin Mosque in Suralaga, East Lombok, on Friday, February 27.

    Governor Iqbal pointed out that East Lombok boasts diverse geographical features, from mountainous areas to coastal regions, rich in agricultural and fisheries potential. Over the next four to five years, these resources will be systematically developed to ensure that East Lombok gains wider recognition, alongside significant advancements in local prosperity.

    Infrastructure and Educational Initiatives

    “If a majority of East Lombok’s residents are economically productive and robust, the regional and provincial income will rise significantly,” stated Governor Iqbal. A key focus since the onset of development has been the improvement of infrastructure, particularly the crucial roads that have remained neglected for 11 years, with repairs scheduled to start in 2025. Adequate infrastructure is viewed as the foundation for harnessing the region’s full potential.

    In the education sector, the construction of schools, including religious and vocational institutions, is ramping up. East Lombok is recognized as one of the regions with the highest number of educational establishments in NTB. Additionally, the government is implementing the Fisherman Village program aimed at bolstering the maritime and fisheries sector. The first successful Fisherman Village is located in Ekas, East Lombok, and there are plans to propose up to 40 new fisherman villages, with a significant number allocated to East Lombok.

    Empowering the Youth through Education

    Governor Iqbal also highlighted the progress of the People’s School initiative currently underway in East Lombok, West Lombok, and Sumbawa. Although this program is temporarily structured, it has already made a tangible difference, especially for children from extremely poor families. The People’s School accommodates children who have often never experienced formal education. After engaging in the program, significant changes are observed in their attitudes, motivation, and confidence levels.

    “This is evidence that education with the right approach can transform our children’s futures,” asserted Governor Iqbal. Looking ahead, the focus will not only be on strengthening the curriculum but also on adopting more humane and character-based teaching methods. Developing human resources is described as a collective responsibility, providing space for innovation in each school.

    Inclusive Education and Local Content Development

    Currently, the Central Government, alongside Provincial and District/City administrations, is restructuring the education system for greater inclusivity. Programs for the rehabilitation and digitalization of schools, as well as Operational School Assistance (BOS), will no longer differentiate between public and private schools, as long as they meet administrative requirements and actively offer educational services. Furthermore, the development of local content is gaining attention, as character and culture-based materials can reinforce identity and adapt learning to the community’s social realities.

    The government is also in the process of establishing an Education Council to enhance the management of education in NTB. With strong support from the Central Government and solid cross-regional coordination, coupled with the significant potential of East Lombok, NTB is optimistic about fostering a progressive, independent, and competitive society. “We want education in NTB to be non-discriminatory, based on local character, and managed with robust governance. With the synergy of all parties, God willing, NTB will continue to advance and become more competitive,” concluded Governor Iqbal.

    Notable attendees at the event included NTB Deputy Governor Indah Dhamayanti Putri, East Lombok Regent Haerul Warisin, and heads of relevant local government departments from both the Provincial and East Lombok administrations.

  • Minister and Governor Review Development of Bima Hospital

    Minister and Governor Review Development of Bima Hospital

    Lombok Zone – On February 27, 2026, Health Minister Budi Gunadi Sadikin and West Nusa Tenggara Governor H. Lalu Muhamad Iqbal visited the City of Bima to assess the progress of the Bima Hospital’s development. This visit aimed to ensure that the hospital’s construction, medical equipment procurement, and human resource readiness are aligned with the standards set for upgrading the facility.

    Both the central and local governments affirmed their commitment to enhance the Bima Hospital, transforming it into a referral center for eastern NTB. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to improve access and quality of referral services across Sumbawa Island. It includes upgrading the Bima Hospital to Type C status and enhancing H.L. Manambai Abdul Kadir Hospital to Type B, as stipulated in Ministry of Health Regulation No. 3 of 2020 concerning Hospital Classification and Licensing.

    During the visit, Minister Sadikin emphasized the importance of on-site verification to ensure that the hospital’s physical development meets the necessary standards for optimal functionality. With better facilities, medical equipment, and an improved healthcare workforce, the residents of Sumbawa Island, particularly in Dompu and Bima, will no longer need to travel to Mataram for specialized services.

    In addition, Governor Iqbal expressed gratitude to the central government for its continued support in strengthening the services at Bima Hospital. He noted that this support aligns with the NTB Provincial Government’s efforts to enhance the provincial hospitals on Sumbawa Island, including strengthening H.L. Manambai Abdul Kadir Hospital as part of a more equitable regional referral system.

    From Political Commitment to Policy Design

    During their campaign, the Iqbal-Dinda pairing promised to improve healthcare equity for the people of Sumbawa, Sumbawa Barat, Dompu, and Bima City. This commitment is now being transformed into concrete policies aimed at bolstering referral hospitals on Sumbawa Island to reduce reliance on services in Mataram.

    Currently, specialized services such as cardiac interventions, cancer chemotherapy, and hemodialysis still require patients to be referred to Lombok. This dependency results in long wait times, additional costs, and the risk of delays in medical care, highlighting the need for a stronger Bima Hospital as a corrective measure for service disparities.

    Healthcare Challenges in NTB

    NTB faces a huge healthcare burden, with major causes of premature mortality being cancer, stroke, and tuberculosis, alongside non-communicable diseases and stunting. With a population of approximately 5.66 million, the province contends with significant health-related challenges:

    • Cancer: 83-192 thousand DALY per year
    • Stroke: 80-118 thousand DALY
    • Tuberculosis: 72-140 thousand DALY
    • Stunting: about 131 thousand DALY
    • Heart disease: 40-69 thousand DALY

    The economic loss from health issues in NTB is estimated to be between Rp18–25 trillion annually, indicating that health matters are not just social concerns but also economic productivity issues. Disparities in service distribution between Lombok and Sumbawa exacerbate these challenges. Many specialized services are still concentrated in Mataram, leading patients from Sumbawa to travel hundreds of kilometers, often while unwell.

    Capacity of Bima Hospital: Before and After

    Prior to its upgrade, Bima Hospital had:

    • 98 beds serving approximately 166,992 residents
    • 7 outpatient clinics
    • Limited ICU and NICU
    • Basic specialist human resources

    The bed-to-population ratio was inadequate, necessitating an increase of 70–100 beds. With improvements, the capacity is expected to rise to around 230 beds, featuring:

    • 14 outpatient clinics
    • ICU, NICU, and ICVCU
    • Central operating room
    • Comprehensive laboratory facilities
    • Modern emergency department with zonation system

    Advanced equipment like Cathlab, CT Scan, Mamography, and Hemodialysis will enhance service competency in line with Type C hospital standards.

    Strengthening Human Resources and Equipment

    To ensure competency-based upgrades, the government will enhance human resources with specialists in oncology, urology, neurosurgery, interventional neurology, and anesthesiology. Additional medical equipment will include:

    • PCR machines
    • Immunology analyzers
    • Blood chemical analyzers
    • Electroencephalography (EEG)

    Support facilities will comprise transport ambulances and stroke and cancer wards. This approach indicates that hospital upgrades are not merely administrative but clinically prepared.

    Measurable Policy Targets

    Post-upgrade, the government aims for:

    • A bed ratio nearing 1.44 per 1,000 residents
    • Controlled Bed Occupancy Rate (BOR) around 75%
    • Significantly reduced patient wait times
    • Reduced referrals to Mataram for specific cases
    • Enhanced regional healthcare cost efficiency

    By strengthening Bima Hospital and upgrading H.L. Manambai Abdul Kadir Hospital to Type B, Sumbawa Island is expected to establish a more independent and efficient regional referral system.

    Strategic Meaning for Sumbawa Island

    The enhancement of Bima Hospital as the eastern NTB referral center signifies a policy stance that healthcare should not be concentrated on just one island. The government must guarantee equal access for all citizens, including those in eastern NTB. With the elevation of Bima Hospital and H.L. Manambai Abdul Kadir Hospital, Sumbawa Island now lays the groundwork for a stronger and more autonomous regional referral system. This initiative may not resolve all challenges, but it clearly outlines a policy direction aimed at improving service accessibility, expediting treatment, and ensuring health justice for the people of Sumbawa Island.

  • Minister of Marine Affairs and Fisheries Visits Lombok to Boost Coastal Economy

    Minister of Marine Affairs and Fisheries Visits Lombok to Boost Coastal Economy

    Lombok Zone – The Vice Governor of West Nusa Tenggara, Hj. Indah Dhamayanti Putri, S.E, welcomed the Minister of Marine Affairs and Fisheries of Indonesia at the Zainuddin Abdul Majid International Airport in Lombok. Accompanied by the Acting Secretary of NTB and the Head of the NTB Marine and Fisheries Office, the minister’s arrival signals an important initiative for the region.

    Following the warm reception, the group proceeded to a local mosque for Friday prayers before heading to witness the construction site of the Red and White Fisherman Village (Kampung Nelayan Merah Putih, KNMP) in Ekas Buana Village, located in the Jerowaru District of East Lombok.

    This working visit is part of a broader effort to enhance the government’s priority programs in the marine and fisheries sector. The focus is on strengthening the blue economy, improving the welfare of fishermen, and ensuring successful implementation of the KNMP development programs across NTB.

    By engaging directly with local fishermen and inspecting the site, the minister hopes to promote tangible outcomes that will boost coastal economic growth and reinforce the independence of fishing communities in West Nusa Tenggara.

  • Taman Ayu Village: A Focus for NTB’s Empowerment Program

    Taman Ayu Village: A Focus for NTB’s Empowerment Program

    Lombok Zone – The village of Taman Ayu in the Gerung District has recently become a focal point in the West Nusa Tenggara (NTB) provincial government’s “Empowered Village” initiative. This area, rich in unique geographical traits, boasts significant tourism potential but faces a variety of complex economic and environmental challenges.

    During his visit on Thursday, February 26, 2026, NTB Governor Lalu Muhamad Iqbal emphasized that addressing poverty in Taman Ayu requires a comprehensive approach rather than piecemeal solutions. He introduced the concept of “Orchestration and Collaboration” to unify various existing programs that previously operated in isolation.

    “Poverty is a multifaceted phenomenon. We cannot tackle just one aspect, like waste management or disaster relief, and expect to eradicate poverty completely. All stakeholders — from the provincial and district levels to villages and private sectors — must work harmoniously together,” he asserted.

    Governor Iqbal detailed initial steps, which included verifying extreme poverty data. Out of an estimated 7,000 individuals, the actual number verified by supporting teams was found to be around 4,000.

    To tackle these issues, the provincial government has developed two intervention schemes:

    • Village Level: An allocation of approximately Rp 500 million aimed at strengthening village infrastructure and harnessing local potential.
    • Family Level: Direct interventions aimed at meeting the needs of targeted households.

    “Our focus is on food security and tourism. I urge village assistants not to start from scratch but to gather the existing pieces from programs like PKH or previous village initiatives,” he added.

    On the other hand, Taman Ayu’s village chief, Muhammad Tajudin, shared insights about the village’s geography, bordered by two major rivers, the Babak and Dodokan, and adjacent to the sea on the west and mountains on the east. Despite its natural beauty, each hamlet within Taman Ayu possesses a wealth of artistic traditions, including Wayang, Gamelan, Gendang Beleq, and weaving.

    However, Tajudin expressed deep concern over severe coastal erosion that has claimed approximately 70 hectares of beachfront, affecting 10 to 20 hectares of private land. “The erosion is drastic, shaping a crescent-like pattern when viewed on the Lombok map. We have communicated with the provincial authorities, but the costs of building a breakwater are substantial. Even the previously planted pine trees and existing groins have been swept away by the sea,” he explained.

    In addition to erosion, air pollution from the material trucks and coal dust around the PLTU site, along with garbage odors, pose challenges that undermine the appeal of this beautiful village.

    In line with the governor’s vision, Chief Tajudin noted their focus on addressing poverty among the most vulnerable groups. Taman Ayu has now established formal structures, including a Disability Forum and an Equal School Forum for women to ensure these groups remain empowered and included in the development process.

    The visit concluded with a lively discussion involving the Governor, provincial OPD officials, West Lombok government representatives, and local residents to formulate concrete steps to address coastal erosion and capitalize on Taman Ayu’s tourism potential as a catalyst for local economic growth.