NTB partners with BRIN to accelerate science-based development

The Provincial Government of West Nusa Tenggara (NTB) is partnering with the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN) to accelerate science-based development through collaborative research on clean water, aquaculture, and the downstream processing of animal feed. “Research support from BRIN can strengthen the implementation of various strategic regional programmes, including the Desa Berdaya programme currently running in 106 villages,” said NTB Governor Lalu Muhamad Iqbal in a statement in Mataram on Wednesday. On 15 June 2026, Governor Iqbal held an audience with BRIN Head Arif Satria in Jakarta to strengthen research and innovation collaboration to support regional development. The NTB Provincial Government proposed research into non-conventional water resources using 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 (KEK), as well as the southern part of Sumbawa Island, still face limited water sources. “We are also encouraging the development of aquaculture technology suited to the characteristics of the NTB region,” he said. He expressed hope that research into cultivation technology and biofloc systems could boost productivity and the welfare of coastal communities. In the livestock sector, Governor Iqbal highlighted NTB’s significant potential as a national corn producer, with output reaching around 2 million tonnes per year, which could support the development of the poultry feed industry. The NTB Provincial Government proposed research into the use of moringa plants as an alternative to imported soybean meal in animal feed formulations. “Besides supporting feed self-sufficiency, moringa development also has the potential to become an additional source of income for the community,” he stated. BRIN Head Arif Satria welcomed the collaboration proposals put forward 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.