Foreign Investment Boosts Tourism in Central Lombok
The investment climate in Central Lombok, West Nusa Tenggara (NTB), has received a significant boost early this year as two foreign investors from Morocco and Australia have committed to developing major tourism accommodations in the region.
The entry of these investors is seen as a “breath of fresh air” for the local economy, signalling continued international confidence in Lombok as a premier destination for hospitality and infrastructure development.
A Moroccan investor has already broken ground on a luxury villa development located in Motong Ajan Village. With a total investment value reaching IDR 72 billion (approx. USD 4.7 million), the project is being executed in stages. The first phase includes the construction of 21 villas, with operations targeted to begin in 2026.
Helmi Qazwaini, Secretary of the Integrated Investment and One-Stop Service Agency (DPMP2T) of Central Lombok, noted that the investor has requested local administration support to improve road infrastructure leading to the site.
“There will be a scheme implemented to support the presence of investment in Central Lombok. We are also involving the investment acceleration task force team,” Helmi said on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, as quoted by Antara.
Meanwhile, an Australian investor has conducted site surveys in the Selong Belanak Village area, eyeing a massive 100-hectare plot for a specialised resort. This project is designed to serve tourists from the Middle East and the broader Muslim community.
The land requirement is driven by the investor’s “long-stay” concept, under which guests are expected to stay at the resort for a month or more. To accommodate these extended stays, the developer plans to build comprehensive supporting facilities, including a school within the complex.
“The value of investment is IDR 72 billion for the Moroccan investor,” Helmi confirmed, while adding that the Australian firm “requires 100 hectares of land” for their expansive resort and educational facility plans.
The local administration is optimistic that these developments will accelerate economic growth for Central Lombok residents. However, officials emphasised that maintaining regional security is paramount to ensuring that both investors and future tourists feel safe and comfortable.
“We hope this investment runs smoothly, so that it can increase the economic growth of the community,” Helmi concluded.