West Nusa Tenggara

[12] Apart from beach tourism, West Nusa Tenggara also has cultural and historical sites, such as Sade Village in Lombok which maintains traditional Sasak architecture and lifestyle, as well as ancient palaces from the era of the Bima Sultanate in Sumbawa.

[13][14] Based on analysis of prehistoric objects found such as complex sarcophagi, decorated stoneware, machetes, and axes, West Nusa Tenggara was originally inhabited by people from Southeast Asia.

This situation became worse with the eruption of Mount Tambora on April 5, 1815, which shook the entire region, and the consequences could be felt throughout the Moluccas, Java, Sulawesi, Sumatra, and Kalimantan.

[16] The West Nusa Tenggara region has a varied topography, with relatively flat coastal areas in some parts of the island, especially in western and southern Lombok.

[19][20][21] Natural resources in West Nusa Tenggara include fertile agricultural land, especially in the lowlands and mountain slopes, as well as marine fisheries in coastal areas.

Its primary economic activities revolve around agriculture, tourism, fisheries, and mining, with a growing focus on infrastructure development and investment in renewable energy and small businesses.

Rice, being the staple food in Indonesia, occupies a significant portion of the province's farmland, with farmers utilizing traditional methods alongside modern techniques to increase yields.

[citation needed] To expand beyond Lombok’s established tourism hubs, the provincial government has been promoting other areas such as Sumbawa Island, which is known for its surfing spots, unspoiled beaches, and traditional buffalo races.

One of the centerpiece developments is the Mandalika International Street Circuit, which hosts MotoGP races, further enhancing NTB’s appeal as a global tourism destination.

West Nusa Tenggara is a significant producer of high-value fish species such as tuna, shrimp, and snapper, which are exported to both domestic and international markets.

In addition to traditional fishing methods, West Nusa Tenggara has increasingly embraced aquaculture, particularly shrimp farming and seaweed cultivation.

Government programs have been initiated to support small-scale fishermen and seaweed farmers by providing better access to technology, credit, and market opportunities.

Efforts to manage fisheries sustainably have also gained traction, with initiatives aimed at regulating fishing practices to prevent overfishing and protect marine ecosystems.

Operated by PT Amman Mineral Nusa Tenggara (formerly by Newmont Mining Corporation), Batu Hijau has been a significant contributor to the regional and national economy.

The mine generates substantial export revenue through the extraction of copper and gold, which are critical to global industries ranging from electronics to energy production.

Investments in rural electrification programs aim to increase access to electricity in remote areas, enhancing the quality of life for residents and supporting economic activities in those regions.

Efforts to diversify the economy include encouraging investment in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), particularly in sectors such as agro-processing, handicrafts, and food production.

NTB’s local government has also placed emphasis on improving human resources by investing in education, vocational training, and skill development programs.

The 'West Nusa Tenggara I Electoral District' consists of the 4 regencies on Sumbawa Island, together with the city of Bima, and elects 3 members to the People's Representative Council.

The 'West Nusa Tenggara II Electoral District' consists of the 4 regencies on Lombok Island, together with the city of Mataram, and elects 8 members to the People's Representative Council.

[40] West Nusa Tenggara (NTB) Province is located in the southern part of Indonesia, consisting of two large islands, Lombok and Sumbawa, with diverse tribes and cultures.

In general, West Nusa Tenggara is a region rich in cultural and ethnic diversity, with traditional values that are still upheld by its people amidst the development of the times.

Islam is deeply rooted in the culture of the indigenous Sasak, Samawa, and Mbojo peoples, shaping daily life, customs, and education since its introduction in the 16th century.

[43] Hinduism, practiced by 2.38% of the population, is centered in the Balinese community, particularly on Lombok, where Hindu temples and traditional festivals like Galungan and Nyepi are still observed.

Religious festivals across communities foster a sense of unity and enrich the province’s cultural landscape, reflects the history of West Nusa Tenggara as a crossroads of diverse traditions and beliefs.

[45] The province of West Nusa Tenggara (NTB), which consists of two large islands, Lombok and Sumbawa, has a diverse and unique cultural wealth.

The culture in West Nusa Tenggara is a blend of the heritage of indigenous tribes such as Sasak, Samawa, and Mbojo (Bima), influenced by religion, customs, and relations with immigrants and other nations for centuries.

Overall, the culture in West Nusa Tenggara reflects the harmony between traditional beliefs, arts, customs, and the daily lives of its people.

[49] The Bima community is also known for its Tembe Nggoli craft, This fabric usually has geometric motifs and distinctive colors, and is used in various traditional events and important ceremonies.

This batik has motifs inspired by nature and the daily lives of the West Nusa Tenggara community, and is one of the region's leading products.

Caldera Mt Tambora, Sumbawa