Central Lombok Regency Respects Cancellation of Rinjani Cable Car Project
The Central Lombok Regency Government has finally spoken out following the West Nusa Tenggara Provincial Government’s cancellation of the Rinjani Cable Car megaproject, valued at more than Rp 6 trillion. The regency has affirmed that it will fully follow the decision of NTB Governor Lalu Muhamad Iqbal to halt the project due to environmental considerations and opposition from indigenous communities.
Central Lombok Deputy Regent Muhammad Nursiah assessed that the decision to cancel the project in the forest area of Karang Sidemen Village, North Batukliang Subdistrict, must have been based on thorough studies. These include aspects of the environment, social issues, and culture.
“The Central Lombok Regional Government always considers our potential. That’s first. Second, we still take into account its relation to history, culture, and importantly, the environmental aspect as our consideration,” said Nursiah to detikBali in Praya on Monday (11/5/2026).
Nursiah acknowledged that the Rinjani cable car project has indeed sparked debate among the public since the beginning. However, the Central Lombok Regency Government chooses to follow the direction of the NTB Provincial Government’s policies.
She also touched on the differences in views between the previous NTB Governor, Zulkieflimansyah, and the current administration under Lalu Muhamad Iqbal. According to her, each regional head has their own considerations regarding the strategic project.
“Initially, during Governor Zul’s time and now, they certainly have their respective considerations and studies,” she stated.
Although the Chinese investor has deposited a Rp 5 billion guarantee to Bank NTB Syariah, Nursiah emphasised that the Central Lombok Regency Government still respects the Provincial Government’s decision.
“And we in Central Lombok always follow whatever the province’s policies and authority are; we adjust. Clearly, how the rules are, how the studies are,” she added.
According to Nursiah, the Central Lombok Regency Government has also continuously provided understanding to the public so that the polemic surrounding the cable car project does not trigger prolonged unrest.
“The Governor must have his studies, many calculations, effects. Whether it will still be built or not. We in Central Lombok, if there is a study from the current Governor that there are changes, we follow,” she explained.
Previously, the Head of the NTB Investment and One-Stop Integrated Licensing Service Agency (DPMPTSP), Irnadi Kusuma, confirmed that the Rinjani Cable Car project was rejected by the NTB Provincial Government. According to him, the decision was taken after considering ecological aspects and rejections from various community groups.
“We look at it from the ecological side. Many indigenous communities and environmental activists rejected it,” said Irnadi on Wednesday (31/12/2025).
Irnadi explained that the Rp 5 billion guarantee money deposited by the investor at Bank NTB Syariah will also be returned soon.
“Because the guarantee money is not necessarily tied to the regional government. It’s a guarantee that can be retrieved, right,” he said.
He added that since the beginning, the Rinjani Cable Car construction project has continuously faced rejections. From local communities, indigenous communities around Rinjani, to environmental activists such as the NTB Environmental Life Forum.
“We need to see the response from the public, environmental activists, customary institutions, and community organisations regarding the presence of an investment. This is the reason (for the rejection),” he stated.