West Nusa Tenggara

Geography

West Nusa Tenggara (NTB) is a province in Indonesia located in the southern part of the Lesser Sunda Islands, consisting of two main islands, namely Lombok Island and Sumbawa Island, as well as several small islands around them such as the Gili Islands. Geographically, the province is surrounded by the Indian Ocean to the south and the Flores Sea to the north. To the west, West Nusa Tenggara borders the Province of Bali, while to the east it borders the Province of East Nusa Tenggara.

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. On the other hand, there are mountainous areas that are characteristic of this region, especially Mount Rinjani on Lombok Island which reaches a height of 3,726 meters above sea level, making it the second highest mountain in Indonesia. Mount Rinjani is an active volcano and the center of the Mount Rinjani National Park, which includes mountainous forests, savannas, and a stunning crater lake called Segara Anak.

Sumbawa Island, on the other hand, has a more varied landscape with steeper mountains, hills and valleys in the west, and dry grasslands in the east. The island also has several active volcanoes such as Mount Tambora which is known for its eruption in 1815, one of the largest eruptions in history with global impact.

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. In addition, the province is also known for its mineral wealth, such as the gold mine on Sumbawa Island which is one of the largest mines in Indonesia.

Climate

In terms of climate, West Nusa Tenggara has a tropical climate with two main seasons, namely the rainy season which lasts from November to March and the dry season from April to October. Due to its geographical conditions, several areas in West Nusa Tenggara, especially the eastern part of Sumbawa, experience a long dry season with low rainfall, so this area tends to be dry and barren.

Based on the latest data from the Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BMKG), the maximum temperature in West Nusa Tenggara (NTB) currently ranges from 31.5 to 34.0 °C, while the minimum temperature ranges from 21.0 to 25.5 °C. The highest temperature usually occurs in October, while the lowest temperature tends to occur in July to August. As a tropical climate region, NTB has a fairly high relative humidity, averaging between 55 and 90%, depending on the season and location. Humidity tends to be higher during the rainy season, which lasts from November to March, while the dry season is usually drier with lower humidity.

Rainfall in West Nusa Tenggara (NTB) is lower than in western Indonesia such as Sumatra and Kalimantan. Western Indonesia tends to be wetter, with annual rainfall ranging from 2,000 to 4,000 mm due to the influence of the southwest monsoon. Meanwhile, West Nusa Tenggara, which is influenced by the southeast monsoon from Australia, has lower rainfall, ranging from 1,000 to 2,000 mm per year. Lombok Island is generally wetter than Sumbawa Island, which often experiences drought during the dry season.

Economy

West Nusa Tenggara (NTB) is a province in Indonesia that boasts a diverse and developing economy. 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.

Agriculture

Agriculture is the backbone of NTB’s economy, providing livelihoods for the majority of the population. The fertile soils and favorable climate conditions across Lombok and Sumbawa islands allow for both wet and dry farming practices. Key agricultural products include rice, corn, soybeans, peanuts, and tobacco. 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.

Corn and soybeans are equally important as they contribute to both local consumption and trade. Additionally, the province produces a variety of cash crops like coconut and cashews, which are exported to other regions and countries. The island of Lombok, in particular, has earned a reputation for its quality tobacco, which is used in cigarette production.

Cattle farming is another important economic activity in NTB, especially in Lombok, where beef cattle are raised both for domestic consumption and export. The province is one of the country’s top beef producers, with significant government support for livestock health and breeding programs.

Tourism

Tourism has emerged as a major pillar of NTB’s economy, particularly on Lombok and the nearby Gili Islands (Gili Trawangan, Gili Meno, and Gili Air). These islands have become internationally renowned for their stunning beaches, clear waters, and vibrant coral reefs, which attract both international and domestic tourists. Popular activities include snorkeling, diving, and surfing, particularly around the Gili Islands and along the southern coast of Lombok.

Mount Rinjani, the second-highest volcano in Indonesia, is one of the province's most visited tourist attractions. The mountain has several trekking routes with views of its crater lake, Segara Anak. Additionally, cultural tourism is common in Lombok, with visitors drawn to the traditional Sasak villages, where they can experience local customs, weaving techniques, and traditional architecture.

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. 'The 'Mandalika Special Economic Zone' (SEZ), located in southern Lombok, has been earmarked as a key development area. Mandalika is intended to attract significant investment in luxury resorts, hotels, and tourism infrastructure. 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.

Fisheries and marine resources

Given its coastline and marine biodiversity, fisheries and marine resources play an essential role in NTB's economy. Fishing provides jobs for many coastal communities, especially on Lombok and Sumbawa islands. 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.

The cultivation of seaweed, particularly in the shallow waters around Lombok and Sumbawa, has proven to be highly profitable, with most of the production being exported for use in food products, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals. 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. These initiatives ensure the long-term viability of NTB's fisheries sector, which is vital for both the local economy and food security.

Mining

Mining is one of the most prominent industries in West Nusa Tenggara, particularly in the western part of Sumbawa Island. The province is home to the Batu Hijau mine, one of the world’s largest copper and gold mines. 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.

However, the mining industry in West Nusa Tenggara has also sparked concerns about its environmental and social impact. Issues such as deforestation, water pollution, and the displacement of local communities have been raised by environmental groups and local residents. In response, the government and the mining company have been working on improving sustainability practices, including reducing environmental degradation and increasing community engagement to ensure that mining activities benefit local populations.

Infrastructure and Economic Development

West Nusa Tenggara has been making strides in infrastructure development, particularly to support its tourism and trade sectors. Significant investments have been made in transportation infrastructure, including the development of highways, ports, and airports. The Lombok International Airport in Lombok is one of the key gateways to the region, facilitating both international and domestic flights and serving as a crucial link to Bali and other Indonesian provinces.

Road infrastructure has been steadily improved, with better connectivity between tourist areas, agricultural regions, and urban centers. Ports on Lombok and Sumbawa have been modernized to support the export of goods such as agricultural products, fishery products, and minerals.

In addition to transportation, West Nusa Tenggara has focused on improving its energy infrastructure. The province is exploring opportunities in renewable energy, such as solar and wind power, to meet its growing energy needs sustainably. 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. These initiatives are designed to equip the local workforce with the skills necessary to meet the demands of a rapidly evolving economy.

Government and administrative divisions

The province is administratively divided into eight regencies (kabupaten) and two municipalities (kotamadya). When created, the province consisted of just six regencies (West Lombok, Central Lombok, East Lombok, Sumbawa, Dompu and Bima); the city of Mataram was separated from West Lombok Regency on 26 July 1993, and the city of Bima was separated from Bima Regency on 10 April 2002. Two additional regencies were created - West Sumbawa from part of Sumbawa Regency on 18 December 2003, and North Lombok from part of West Lombok Regency on 24 June 2008. The regencies and cities are listed below with their administrative capitals, their areas, and their populations at the 2010 census and the 2020 census, together with the official estimates as of mid-2025.

Proposals have been under consideration since 2013 by the People's Representative Council (Dewan Perwakilan Rakyat or DPR) to create a separate Sumbawa Island province; there is no information as to whether the remaining part of the present province (i.e. the districts comprising Lombok Island) would then be renamed. However, since 2013 the Indonesian Government have maintained a moratorium on the intended creation of new provinces, regencies and cities.

The province comprises two of Indonesia's 84 national electoral districts to elect members to the People's Representative Council. 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.

Demographics

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. According to the latest census in 2020, the population of NTB reached around 5.32 million people. The more recent official estimate (as at mid 2025) was 5.73 million.

Ethnic groups

The province has significant ethnic diversity, with the main ethnic groups being:

Sasak people

The Sasak people are the largest ethnic group inhabiting Lombok Island, and are culturally and linguistically closer to the Sasak of Lombok than to the peoples of eastern Sumbawa Island. This group has a rich culture with traditions that are still preserved, including in the fields of agriculture, dance, and traditional music such as Gendang Beleq. The majority of the Sasak people are Muslim, with some of them practicing Wetu Telu, a form of Islam influenced by local beliefs.

Sumbawa people

The Sumbawa people or Samawa are the indigenous people of the western part of Sumbawa Island. This ethnic group is known for its strong agrarian and fishing culture. The Samawa have customs and traditions such as the Samawa Traditional Festival which features their traditional music and dance. Most of them are also Muslim.

Bimanese people

The Bimanese people or Mbojo inhabit the eastern region of Sumbawa Island, especially in the Bima and Dompu (Dompu sub-group) areas. They are known for their very strong customs and their own language, namely the Bimanese language. In everyday life, the Bimanese people are heavily involved in agricultural and fishing activities. Islam is also the main belief for this ethnic group.

Balinese people

In several areas in West Nusa Tenggara, especially on Lombok Island, there is a fairly large Balinese community. They are generally descendants of Balinese immigrants who settled in Lombok centuries ago. The Balinese people in Lombok maintain Balinese Hindu customs and traditions, which can be seen through the temples and traditional ceremonies they perform.

Ampenan Malays

The Ampenan Malays were originally descendants of Malays who acculturated with other ethnic groups, such as the Sasak, Balinese, Bimanese, Bugis, Javanese, Chinese, and Arabs are the main components of the population of the old town of Ampenan in Lombok Island. The beginning of the formation of Their Malay identity began in the 19th century, when the Dutch colonial government brought in various ethnic groups from the Malay Archipelago to inhabit Ampenan which at that time was the main port in Lombok Island. Eventually they gradually spoke and adopted Malay culture because it was the local lingua franca in the archipelago at that time.

Other ethnic groups

In addition to these main ethnic groups, West Nusa Tenggara is also inhabited by immigrant groups such as the Buginese, Javanese, and Chinese who contribute to the cultural diversity in this province. In addition, there are several other significant migrant ethnic groups, such as the Manggarai and Sumba people in Bima Regency, Makassarese, Bajau, and others.

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.

Religion

West Nusa Tenggara (NTB), which includes the islands of Lombok and Sumbawa, is predominantly Muslim, with 96.88% of the population adhering to Islam. 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.

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. Buddhism (0.31%), largely practiced by the Chinese community, is present mainly in urban areas such as Mataram. Protestantism (0.25%) and Roman Catholicism (0.18%) are practiced by small groups, mostly migrants from other Indonesian regions like Flores and Timor.

Despite Islam’s predominance, West Nusa Tenggara is known for its peaceful interfaith coexistence, with mutual respect among different religious groups. 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.

Culture

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 groups 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.

• Sasak Culture in Lombok

The Sasak people are the indigenous people of Lombok Island, and they have a culture that is very strongly influenced by Islam. Sasak culture is known for its traditional wedding ceremony called Merariq, where the wedding is preceded by the tradition of "running away" the bride as a symbol of the family's agreement and readiness to unite.

In the field of art, the Sasak people are associated with their Gendang Beleq music, a traditional music that uses large drums and is usually played in ceremonies or celebrations. Woven songket cloth and handmade gold and silver jewelry are also part of their valuable cultural heritage.

• Samawa Culture in Sumbawa

The Samawa people, who live in the western part of Sumbawa Island, have traditions that are closely related to agriculture and the sea. One of the most important traditions is Barapan Kebo, or buffalo racing, which is held after the harvest season as a form of gratitude.

In daily life, the Samawa people still maintain the customary social structure, where customary laws and traditions such as mutual cooperation are still carried out. They are also known for their traditional weaving skills which produce Sumbawa woven cloth which has distinctive patterns and colors.

• Mbojo Culture in Bima

The Mbojo people inhabit the eastern part of Sumbawa Island, especially in the Bima and Dompu regions. Their culture is heavily influenced by Islam, but also retains strong traces of the historical Mbojo kingdom. One important tradition is Mpa'a Sampari, a traditional ceremony held to welcome distinguished guests with dance, music, and traditional Bima clothing.

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. In terms of art, the Mbojo tribe has the Sere dance, a traditional war dance that depicts courage and toughness.

Traditional Arts and Crafts

In addition to the richness of dance and music arts, West Nusa Tenggara is also famous for its various handicrafts, such as Batik Sasambo, which is a typical West Nusa Tenggara batik that reflects the culture of the Sasak, Samawa, and Mbojo tribes. 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.

In addition, ikat and songket weaving are also the pride of the West Nusa Tenggara community. These crafts are produced through a process that requires high patience and precision. Lombok and Sumbawa weaving have unique and varied motifs, reflecting the identity of each tribe.

Traditional Cuisine

NTB's traditional food is also an integral part of its culture. Ayam Taliwang, a typical Lombok food, is famous for its spicy and rich spice taste. Plecing Kangkung and Sate Rembiga are also popular foods in NTB that reflect the richness of local spices and ingredients.

Traditional and Religious Ceremonies

Traditional and religious ceremonies are still highly maintained in West Nusa Tenggara. Islamic celebrations such as Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha are celebrated enthusiastically throughout the region, but traditional ceremonies such as Peresean (traditional rattan fighting) are also often held in a series of certain traditional events. The people of West Nusa Tenggara still uphold mutual cooperation and local wisdom in various aspects of life.

Notable people