Iqbal and Mohan Inspect Rembiga Intersection Following Removal of Road Barriers by Residents
The Governor of West Nusa Tenggara (NTB), Lalu Muhamad Iqbal, alongside the Mayor of Mataram, Mohan Roliskana, conducted a monitoring visit to the traffic flow at the Rembiga intersection on Monday afternoon (31/8/2026). Iqbal and Mohan ensured that the road barriers, which had been dismantled by residents, would be reinstalled as before.
The road barriers at the Rembiga intersection were previously removed by a group of community members. The removal was motivated by concerns that the barriers were stifling local businesses. However, the dismantling led to prolonged traffic congestion on Sunday (3och/8/2026), with many commuters complaining about delays to work and school.
Iqbal expressed regret over the actions of certain residents who dismantled the road dividers. He requested that the issue be resolved through familial dialogue to find the best possible solution.
Iqbal emphasised that the congestion at Rembiga requires practical and effective field-based solutions rather than mere theoretical approaches. So far, the installation of road barriers has been deemed effective in reducing vehicle accumulation.
“The most important thing is how we find a solution together. We want traffic to flow smoothly, but at the same time, we must also consider the interests of the community,” Iqbal stated at the location on Monday (31/8/2026).
After inspecting the intersection, Iqbal and Mohan walked through the Rembiga area to engage in direct dialogue with micro, small, and medium enterprise (MSME) owners. This step was taken to ensure that road management policies do not destroy the livelihoods of local residents.
“We were surprised that some people dismantled this. In fact, the implementation of this single-lane system was intended to address many people’s complaints,” Iqbal explained.
The Head of the Traffic Division of the NTB Transportation Agency, Baiq Musfiatin, explained that this traffic engineering scheme had actually accounted for the needs of all road users, including drivers and pedestrians. However, the provision of permanent supporting facilities still requires a formal process.
“In truth, all needs for this traffic management—for pedestrians, drivers, and everyone passing through here—have been considered. However, this requires time and a budgeting process, which has already been proposed,” said Musfiatin, commonly known as Fia.
Fia added that if the budgeting process proceeds smoothly, the installation of signage and permanent supporting infrastructure will be realised in the fourth quarter. Regular evaluations will continue throughout the trial period.
“In our second trial, we will evaluate any shortcomings and community feedback. This trial will continue until the fourth quarter, following the installation of permanent infrastructure, as previously agreed,” Fia clarified.
The West Nusa Tenggara Provincial Government and the Mataram City Government are committed to formulating a balanced solution so that traffic remains orderly and safe, while ensuring the local traders’ economy continues to thrive.