One Year of Iqbal-Dinda Administration: Damaged Roads in Sumbawa Remain a Major Challenge

West Nusa Tenggara (NTB) Governor Lalu Muhamad Iqbal has candidly acknowledged that repairs to damaged roads on Sumbawa Island remain incomplete one year into leading the province. Budget constraints and environmental damage have been cited as major hindrances.

The acknowledgement was made by Iqbal during an official working visit and Ramadan 1447 Hijriah safari by the NTB Provincial Government at Al Muwahiddin Mosque in Bima City on Monday, 2 March 2026.

“One year into the Iqbal-Dinda administration, we acknowledge that we have not fully developed NTB and there are still shortcomings,” he stated.

Iqbal explained that fundamental issues such as damaged roads on Sumbawa Island, including in Bima, could not be resolved due to budget limitations.

“Due to budget constraints, we have not been able to do much for Bima,” he said.

Nevertheless, he claimed that shortly after being inaugurated as Governor and Vice Governor of NTB, his administration had already repaired some roads and bridges on Sumbawa Island, including in Bima.

“Because of imbalanced natural conditions, the roads and bridges that were repaired have deteriorated again,” he stated.

Iqbal cited environmental degradation as one of the principal factors. He acknowledged witnessing extensive forest damage across Sumbawa Island during his travels.

“I travelled around Sumbawa Island, and everywhere the forest conditions are damaged. Hills have disappeared and new rivers have emerged on roads, causing road deterioration,” he noted.

During the event, Iqbal called upon residents of Bima City to help maintain environmental balance by planting trees and preserving forests.

“Let us begin planting trees together. Together we must protect nature to pass on to the next generation,” he urged.

During his visit to Al Muwahiddin Mosque, Iqbal also led evening prayers and presented assistance for mosque repairs along with various other forms of aid.