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  • Local Cooperatives in NTB Urged to Embrace Business Transformation and Seize Opportunities

    Local Cooperatives in NTB Urged to Embrace Business Transformation and Seize Opportunities

    Lombok Zone – The government of West Nusa Tenggara (NTB) is actively encouraging local cooperatives to evolve into robust business entities. A significant opportunity lies within the national Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) program, which has recently been launched in the region.

    During his address to the members of the Merah Putih Cooperative at Jembatan Kembar, Governor Lalu Muhamad Iqbal emphasized that cooperatives should be viewed as business institutions rather than social organizations. He urged members to shift their mindset and recognize that the success of a cooperative is dependent on the active participation of its members in transactions and the development of business units.

    “Cooperatives are business institutions founded by and for the members. I commend the Merah Putih Cooperative for taking the initiative to distribute essential commodities. This marks a promising start towards becoming a larger business entity,” he remarked during his visit to the KDMP Jembatan Kembar Timur Lembar on Thursday, February 26, 2026.

    To bolster capital strength, it was highlighted that a pool of Rp30 billion in People’s Business Credit (KUR) is currently available at Bank NTB, specifically designated for cooperatives and small-medium enterprises (SMEs). This low-interest funding is expected to act as a catalyst for cooperatives to elevate their business operations through well-structured business proposals.

    Governor Iqbal also stressed the importance of cooperatives’ involvement in the MBG program. Currently, there are over 800 MBG kitchens operating in NTB. However, local farmers supply only 30 percent of the egg demand, with the remainder coming from external sources.

    “This is a golden opportunity. Cooperatives can act as aggregators for the produce from their members’ households to supply the MBG kitchens. The demand is already established; it’s just about how cooperatives manage their supply chain,” he explained.

    Besides eggs, other commodities like chicken, milk, and bread present additional opportunities within the government’s food security framework.

    In conclusion, he encouraged all members to cultivate a sense of ownership towards their cooperatives by prioritizing shopping within their own cooperative instead of turning to modern retail outlets. This strategy is aimed at keeping economic circulation within the membership, ultimately benefiting them through the distribution of profit shares.

    Meanwhile, H. Ismail Darwan, the head of Jembatan Kembar Timur village, expressed his gratitude during his address, appreciating the governor’s visit, which he described as a long-awaited gesture of the provincial government’s commitment to rural development.

    “Thank goodness, our mothers have been patiently waiting to see the governor. We, as a community, extend our warm welcome and gratitude for your willingness to see our conditions firsthand,” he said.

    On the same occasion, Rustam Thamrin, the chairman of KDMP Jembatan Kembar Timur, reported on the cooperative’s progress. He explained that KDMP was established as a swift response to the President’s directive regarding food self-sufficiency.

    “Since May, we have swiftly recruited 96 members. Initially relying on a starting fund of Rp10 million, we began our business operations in September. Our management is dedicated, working through all weather conditions to procure goods from Bulog to serve our members,” Rustam reported.

    He added that in January, they secured a loan agreement of Rp25 million from Bank NTB to scale their business further. “With this significant capital, profits started to become evident. We are highly motivated to keep progressing,” he asserted.

  • Governor Ensures Affordable Prices During Ramadan in NTB

    Governor Ensures Affordable Prices During Ramadan in NTB

    Lombok Zone – As the holy month of Ramadan approaches, the Governor of West Nusa Tenggara, Dr. H. Lalu Muhamad Iqbal, is taking proactive measures to ensure that essential goods remain affordable and that the food supply is stable. His efforts were evident during a working visit and community engagement on February 26, 2026, in West Lombok.

    During his visit to Gerung Market, the Governor, affectionately known as Miq Iqbal, engaged with local vendors and shoppers while closely monitoring the prices of basic commodities. He noted that inflation in certain areas was largely driven by spikes in chili prices across three districts: East Lombok, Central Lombok, and West Lombok.

    “Inflation has risen due to increasing chili prices in these regions. Interestingly, even within a single market, price discrepancies can occur. I have spoken with enumerators to ensure they record the lowest prices available,” the Governor stated.

    He clarified that the prices for meat generally remained in line with reference prices, although there was a slight increase in chicken prices due to rising costs at the supplier level.

    “Fortunately, the prices for meat are still consistent with reference points. Chicken prices have seen a minor increase due to the rising cost of live chickens. We will coordinate with suppliers and relevant parties to ensure smooth distribution,” he emphasized.

    The Governor also reassured the public that prices for cooking oil, rice, and onions remain under control. However, the price increases for chili are affected by seasonal factors and unpredictable weather conditions, leading to crop failures in several areas.

    “Chili is not a commodity that can be directly intervened with like rice, cooking oil, and sugar. Its price mechanism is heavily influenced by supply and demand, especially since many farmers are facing crop failures due to weather challenges,” he explained.

    Despite these challenges, the provincial government continues to work on stabilizing the market. They are encouraging distributors and business operators to source supplies from outside the region and are providing subsidies for transportation costs.

    “We have urged distributors from Central Lombok and East Lombok to procure supplies from other areas. We are even offering free transportation support for trucks moving goods from Java to NTB through the Food Agency, aiming to keep prices accessible for the community,” the Governor added.

    To further assist residents, the NTB Provincial Government is organizing affordable basic goods markets at various locations throughout Ramadan.

    “Our goal is to ensure that the community can observe Ramadan peacefully, without worrying about rising prices for essential items,” concluded the Governor.

    The NTB Provincial Government will continue to monitor price developments and take swift, measured actions to maintain the stability of supply and price affordability for all residents.

  • NTB Governor Encourages Red and White Cooperative to Boost Local Food Supply

    NTB Governor Encourages Red and White Cooperative to Boost Local Food Supply

    Lombok Zone – The Governor of West Nusa Tenggara (NTB), Lalu Muhamad Iqbal, has urged the Red and White Cooperative (Kopdes) to play an essential role as a supplier of food items for the Free Nutritious Meal (MBG) program in the region.

    This call to action came during his visit to the Kopdes in Tegal Maja, located in Tanjung District, North Lombok, on the afternoon of February 25, 2026. Iqbal emphasized the significant economic opportunities that the local cooperatives can seize from this national program.

    He highlighted the high demand for essential food supplies, such as eggs and meat, to support the MBG initiative in NTB. Currently, local egg producers can only meet about 30% of the region’s needs, with the remainder being imported from Java. With the MBG program set to increase the demand further, there is a risk that external supplies could become increasingly limited.

    “Focus on supplying for MBG only. There is nearly 6 trillion IDR circulating in the MBG program. This presents a tremendous economic opportunity for our region,” stated Iqbal.

    He noted that by 2026, funds circulating in NTB through this flagship program from President Prabowo Subianto would reach 5.7 trillion IDR, exceeding the NTB Regional Revenue and Expenditure Budget (APBD). Iqbal warned that the influx of central government funds should not flow out of the region due to NTB’s unpreparedness for being a supplier. He insists that local cooperatives must take the lead to ensure that the economic benefits are realized by the local community.

    As the former Indonesian Ambassador to Turkey, he also mentioned that Bank NTB Syariah has allocated a Credit for People’s Business (KUR) budget of 30 billion IDR for cooperatives and small and medium enterprises (SMEs). This funding can be utilized by Kopdes to submit loan proposals as initial capital to establish livestock businesses capable of meeting the needs of the MBG.

    “We are currently designing the credit distribution plan; Bank NTB is also open for KUR disbursement to ensure this program is directed and precise,” he explained. Iqbal added that once the business proposals are ready, cooperatives can promptly apply for loans from Bank NTB Syariah for swift capital disbursement.

    Meanwhile, Martinom, the Chairman of Kopdes Tegal Maja, revealed that the cooperative is currently engaged in two types of businesses: rice and LPG sales. Following the governor’s directive, he acknowledged the substantial potential for livestock farming in his village. Currently, there are several broiler and layer chicken farms in operation, although funding challenges have hindered further business development.

    “From the start, we have been eyeing the MBG potential. If we had been provided with soft funding early on, we could prioritize building chicken coops,” stated Martinom.

    It is known that Kopdes Merah Putih Tegal Maja currently has 26 members, but interest from the community is high, with around 200 people wanting to join. In addition to funding constraints, the cooperative is also dealing with land issues for establishing their store. They hope these land issues can be resolved soon so that the cooperative can fully realize its business potential.

  • NTB Governor Engages with Extreme Poverty in Sigar Penjalin Village

    NTB Governor Engages with Extreme Poverty in Sigar Penjalin Village

    Lombok Zone – On February 25, 2026, the Governor of West Nusa Tenggara (NTB), Lalu Muhamad Iqbal, visited the impoverished residents of Sigar Penjalin village in North Lombok District. His visit aimed to distribute essential food supplies and cash assistance while checking on the implementation of the Empowered Village Program, designed to combat poverty.

    Sigar Penjalin has been identified as a key area for this initiative. Accompanied by various local government organizations and Baznas NTB, Iqbal personally assessed the living conditions of families, including children facing severe economic hardships.

    During his visit, Iqbal highlighted the significant potential of Sigar Penjalin, strategically positioned near Lombok’s tourist attractions. The area boasts attractions such as Sire Beach, luxury villas, premium hotels, a golf course, and a mini zoo. Despite its potential, extreme poverty persists among some residents.

    “The potential here is immense, but I’ve seen firsthand that many still suffer from dire poverty. Their circumstances are challenging and require collaborative and well-organized intervention,” Iqbal stated.

    Iqbal elaborated on the Empowered Village Program, which will intervene at both the village and family levels. Village facilitators have already pinpointed key issues, including a high number of youth without stable employment.

    The core objective of this program is to ensure that each family has a reliable source of income within a year. “Our goal is for every household to achieve financial independence and stable income in the next year. That’s the essence of tackling poverty,” he explained.

    In addition to economic assistance, the program will address educational issues, waste management, and village spatial planning. This year, the Empowered Village initiative is targeting 40 villages classified as extremely poor.

    Regarding the allocation of the Rp500 million stimulus per village, Iqbal emphasized that spending should be driven by the actual needs of the community. Local governments, along with support teams, are tasked with identifying programs that can effectively boost the local economy.

    “Everything must be based on a bottom-up approach, reflecting the villagers’ own identification of needs. It’s the responsibility of village heads and facilitators to determine what will serve as an economic lever,” he said.

    Moreover, Iqbal noted that support will come not only from the provincial government but also from the central government, local authorities, civil society organizations, and universities.

    Earlier, Iqbal expressed that the Empowered Village Program is a solution-oriented initiative characterized by its collaborative and orchestrated nature. “Don’t think you can solve these village issues alone; it’s impossible,” he emphasized while addressing the village facilitators.

    In closing, Iqbal urged that the presence of village facilitators should be felt by the community, encouraging engagement and consultation with existing support personnel. “You are not designed to solve village problems alone. There are various support systems already in place. Collaborate with them; that is the hallmark of the Empowered Village Program,” he affirmed.

    Zawil Fadli, the head of Sigar Penjalin village, expressed hope for intensive intervention from the NTB provincial government to address extreme poverty in his village, stating, “We hope our impoverished residents can be assisted through empowering programs, so that we can resolve poverty issues in our village as soon as possible.”

  • NTB Government Pushes for Quick Resolution of Mining Permits

    NTB Government Pushes for Quick Resolution of Mining Permits

    Lombok Zone – The local government of Nusa Tenggara Barat (NTB) is taking decisive action to expedite the mining permit process for small-scale miners. This initiative was highlighted during a Focus Group Discussion (FGD) held on February 24, 2026, at the Bank NTB Syariah building. Representing NTB’s Governor, the Regional Secretary H. Lalu Moh. Faozal emphasized the critical need to accelerate the issuance of Mining Permits (Izin Pertambangan Rakyat, IPR) as a way to combat the prevalence of illegal mining and address the decline in regional revenue.

    He pointed out that NTB’s fiscal situation is currently under stress due to a significant cut in the Transfer to Regions (TKD) fund by the central government, amounting to IDR 1.2 trillion. “The potential of IPR can be a lifesaver for NTB in terms of local revenue. We contribute significantly to the national economy, but our fiscal health is not in good shape,” he stated.

    Despite having received 16 IPR proposals, only one location has successfully moved forward as a pilot project, situated in Selanong, Bukit Mas Bangket. However, there are still technical challenges related to post-mining reclamation and the readiness of mining cooperatives’ administrative matters that need to be resolved.

    One of the main obstacles identified is the differing interpretations of regulations among three sectors: Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM), Environment (LHK), and Cooperatives. This lack of synchronization is perceived to potentially create legal loopholes.

    “We do not want the local government to become merely a ‘student’ of law enforcement agencies subsequently due to misinterpretations of regulations. That is why we invited the police and prosecutors to supervise this process to ensure transparency and accountability,” he asserted.

    During the FGD, the NTB government outlined four strategic steps: identifying mining management issues, formulating a transparent legalization strategy, promoting cross-sectoral synergies (central and regional government, law enforcement), and developing sustainable policy recommendations.

    This initiative is also expected to accelerate discussions on the regional legislative initiative concerning mining. Interestingly, NTB’s commitment to regulating IPR has drawn national attention, as evidenced by a recent study visit from the Gorontalo provincial government.

    “The community has been waiting. We can no longer postpone. The swift implementation of regulations is key to transforming illegal mining into a legal sector that benefits the people,” he concluded.

    Earlier, the Head of the NTB Energy and Mineral Resources Office, Samsudin, provided an update on the progress of IPR in the region. He revealed that out of the 16 proposals received, only one has advanced as a pilot project, located in Bukit Selonong, Sumbawa. However, he acknowledged that its operations are still far from optimal.

    “The project in Selonong is a dummy, but on the ground, we are still facing environmental issues related to post-mining reclamation and unresolved internal cooperative administrative issues,” he explained further.

    The ESDM head highlighted the ‘conflict’ of regulations among the three key sectors: ESDM, Environment, and Cooperatives. These differing interpretations of rules have hindered the legalization process, while demands from mining communities continue to rise through various forms of expression.

    In response, they held a strategic FGD to formulate the acceleration of IPR legalization. The main focus is to align cross-sector policies and involve law enforcement agencies to ensure a robust legal framework for the licensing process.

    “We aim to identify current issues and develop policy recommendations that ensure the welfare of the people without neglecting environmental preservation,” he concluded.

  • Octo Billiards: A New Family-Friendly Billiard Spot Opens in NTB

    Octo Billiards: A New Family-Friendly Billiard Spot Opens in NTB

    On Saturday, January 3, 2025, a new billiard venue named Octo Billiards opened its doors, bringing a unique experience to billiard enthusiasts in NTB. Located in the bustling Mario Swalayan shopping complex, directly across from the old Selaparang Airport, this new spot is making waves with its top-of-the-line Majestix Series tables imported directly from China. It’s the first of its kind in the region.

    Octo Billiards: A New Family-Friendly Billiard Spot Opens in NTB

    Octo Billiards features 13 billiard tables and offers both smoking and non-smoking areas, making it an ideal destination for families looking to enjoy a game together. With its family-friendly atmosphere, it’s set to be a popular spot for locals and visitors alike. The establishment operates from 10:00 AM to 2:00 AM WITA, giving patrons 16 hours daily to enjoy their favorite game.

    For the people of Lombok, known locally as Semeton Lombok, who are eager to try out this new billiard experience, contact is simple. You can reach out via Instagram at “Octobillards” or call directly at 081399979855. There’s also the option to connect through WhatsApp, ensuring a convenient way to gather more information or make reservations.

  • KNPI Leadership in NTB Affirmed as Daud Azhari Takes Helm

    KNPI Leadership in NTB Affirmed as Daud Azhari Takes Helm

    The Deputy Chairman of the Central Executive Board of the Indonesian Youth National Committee (KNPI), Rindawanto Evendi, declared unequivocally that the recent Regional Conference (Musda) of KNPI in West Nusa Tenggara (NTB) has definitively elected Daud Azhari as the Chairman of KNPI NTB for the 2025-2028 term.

    Rindawanto, who is popularly known as Rindhot, stated that the Musda’s outcome was officially witnessed by key figures including the General Chairman Ali Hanafiah, Secretary-General Guntur, the Treasurer, the Daily Chairman, and other vice chairmen, along with former chairperson Haerunnisa. He emphasized that there should be no controversy regarding the election, asserting, “Daud is clear and definitively elected as the chairman.”

    Rindhot further highlighted that the Musda had concluded with a legitimate decision that binds all organizational elements. As such, any subsequent continuation of the Musda lacks organizational legitimacy and contradicts the governance principles of the KNPI.

    He expressed concern that the continuation of the Musda only serves to complicate matters, hindering the youth consolidation process in NTB. This move is seen as contrary to the spirit of unity and risks creating a leadership duality that could harm the organization.

    “KNPI must operate based on decisions from the legitimate highest forum. The continuation of Musda cannot be referenced for leadership,” Rindhot asserted.

    He reiterated his commitment to uphold the dignity of the organization while adhering to the established rules and Musda outcomes. He called on all KNPI elements in NTB to end the disputes and refocus on the strategic role of youth in regional development.

    This stance is emphasized as a responsibility to ensure that KNPI remains a unifying platform for youth, rather than a battleground for conflicting interests.

  • NTB Provincial Government Focuses on Expanding Digital Connectivity

    NTB Provincial Government Focuses on Expanding Digital Connectivity

    The Provincial Government of West Nusa Tenggara (NTB) is accelerating efforts to ensure equitable internet access across the region, with significant support sought from the central government. This aspiration was expressed by NTB’s Deputy Governor, Indah Dhamayanti Putri, during a coordination meeting on enhancing internet connectivity to achieve equal digital access in the province. The meeting was organized by the Coordinating Ministry for Political, Legal, and Security Affairs and held at Hotel Lombok Astoria on Wednesday, October 9.

    “During your visit with the ministry’s officials, we hope this will be a step towards resolving this issue. We wish to see progress not only on Lombok Island but also equal attention and development in all ten districts and cities,” stated the Deputy Governor.

    To strengthen digital connectivity, the NTB Provincial Government continues to promote the construction of Base Transceiver Stations (BTS) and fiber optic networks in collaboration with telecommunications operators. Additionally, local authorities are developing a digital ecosystem through initiatives such as the Smart Village program, e-Government, UMKM Go Digital, and providing digital literacy training for the community. These steps are supported by regional regulations and policies that expedite digital transformation.

    Deputy Governor Putri emphasized the importance of cross-sectoral coordination for expanding internet connectivity. “This involves national programs and expanding strategic partnerships with the private sector, along with support from academics and research institutions in planning based on real data and needs on the ground. In the future, NTB will become more digitally connected, inclusive, and capable of optimizing regional potential through information and communication technology,” she concluded.