Anindya Bakrie Praises NTB's Economy, Highlights Salt Potential
Chairman of the Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Kadin), Anindya Novyan Bakrie, has praised the economic growth of West Nusa Tenggara (NTB), which reached 13.24 per cent — the second highest in Indonesia. According to him, this achievement is a major asset for NTB in attracting investment whilst developing the region’s leading potential, including the salt industry.
He made the remarks whilst inaugurating and confirming the NTB Provincial Kadin board for the 2025-2030 term in Mataram on Wednesday (29/7/2026).
“We see growth in NTB as very attractive and sustainable, both economically and environmentally. Beyond being driven by the processing industry, the tourism and agribusiness sectors and their derivatives are also growing rapidly,” said Anindya.
Anindya said one potential area worth developing is NTB’s salt industry. According to him, local salt has a purity level of up to 98 per cent, enabling it to compete with major producing countries such as Australia.
He also commended the NTB Provincial Government’s efforts to develop the food, mining, business tourism and wellness tourism sectors, as well as tourism connectivity with Bali and East Nusa Tenggara (NTT).
“The Governor is focused on clear market segmentation. I think this is a clever strategy to differentiate NTB from other regions,” he said.
Anindya affirmed that Kadin Indonesia stands ready to help promote NTB’s various potentials internationally through regular monthly meetings with dozens of ambassadors.
In addition, he highlighted three pillars of NTB’s development: tourism, the blue economy, and the trade engine, which he said grew by 91.87 per cent. NTB’s export value was also said to have reached US$76.64 million.
“We also see the processing industry in NTB growing by 60.25 per cent. That is no easy feat. NTB’s growth engines such as smelters, sports, and MSME tourism can apparently capitalise on these opportunities,” he said.
Amid global trade uncertainty, Anindya expressed optimism that Kadin NTB can boost investor confidence.
“We have also recorded demand from major industries, and the Mandalika effect saw QRIS transactions reach Rp1.4 trillion in NTB,” he said.
NTB Governor Lalu Muhamad Iqbal said high economic growth must be accompanied by strengthening productive sectors so the region does not depend solely on the mining and smelter industries.
“We must gradually move away from full dependence on the smelter industry. Nearly 40 per cent of NTB’s population lives off the agricultural sector. Our Farmer Exchange Rate (NTP) currently stands at 131, higher than the national average. This shows real improvement at the grassroots level,” said Iqbal.
He therefore invited Kadin NTB to strengthen the food sector and the local salt industry. According to him, the NTB Provincial Government is ready to support businesses wishing to develop these productive sectors.
“In every period of economic turbulence, what businesses need most is certainty. Kadin NTB must be present to convince investors that NTB is a safe and promising place to invest,” he concluded.