NTB partners with BRIN to accelerate science-based development
The West Nusa Tenggara (NTB) Provincial Government is partnering with the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN) to accelerate science-based development through collaborative research on clean water, aquaculture, and livestock feed downstreaming.
“Research support from BRIN can strengthen the implementation of various regional strategic programmes, including the Empowered Village programme currently being implemented in 106 villages,” stated the Governor of NTB, Lalu Muhamad Iqbal, in a statement in Mataram on Wednesday.
On 15 June 2026, Governor Iqbal held an audience with the Head of BRIN, Arif Satria, in Jakarta to strengthen research and innovation collaboration to support regional development.
The NTB Provincial Government has proposed research into non-conventional water resources, utilising isotope technology and satellite imagery to identify the potential of underground river flows.
Iqbal noted that the southern region of Lombok Island, including the Mandalika Special Economic Zone (SEZ), as well as the southern region of Sumbawa Island, currently face limited water resources.
“We are also encouraging the development of aquaculture technology that is suitable for the characteristics of the NTB region,” he said.
He expressed hope that research regarding aquaculture technology, including biofloc systems, could increase productivity and the welfare of coastal communities.
In the livestock sector, Governor Iqbal highlighted West Nusa Tenggara’s significant potential as one of the nation’s corn producers, with production reaching approximately 2 million tonnes per year, which could support the development of the poultry feed industry.
The NTB Provincial Government has proposed research into the use of moringa plants as an alternative to imported soybean meal in livestock feed formulations.
“In addition to supporting feed independence, the development of moringa also has the potential to become an additional source of income for the community,” he added.
The Head of BRIN, Arif Satria, welcomed the collaboration proposals presented by the NTB Provincial Government.
He pledged to promptly follow up on the collaboration through field studies and to formulate short, medium, and long-term programmes according to the region’s needs.