Positive investment climate accelerates The Mandalika’s regional and tourism development
Lombok Tengah – InJourney Tourism Development Corporation (ITDC) is accelerating the development of The Mandalika in Lombok Tengah, West Nusa Tenggara (NTB), as the investment climate and tourism activities in the area continue to grow.
By end-2025, cumulative investment in the Mandalika Special Economic Zone (KEK) reached Rp6.018 trillion, creating 26,002 jobs. These figures demonstrate the growth of an integrated tourism ecosystem, driving regional economic growth and job creation for locals.
The area’s growth is reflected in the rise of business operators in the KEK. By December 2025, 27 businesses were operating, spanning hospitality, lifestyle tourism, mixed-use development, utilities, and motorsport ecosystem support.
Domestic and international investors, including those from Singapore, Japan, Spain, the US, and Morocco, are bolstering the area’s development.
ITDC Operations Director Troy Warokka said the corporation is strengthening the investment ecosystem by enhancing destination quality, developing infrastructure, and providing utilities to sustain The Mandalika as a national tourism hotspot.
The influx of investors reflects growing business confidence in The Mandalika’s potential as a world-class tourism destination.
“This area has strong appeal through its integrated tourism destination concept, combining sport tourism, hospitality, commercial areas, green spaces, and public facilities,” he stated on Sunday (24 May 2026).
Beyond investment growth, tourism activities in The Mandalika show positive trends. Between January and April 2026, total visitor numbers reached 285,003.
During the same period, average length of stay rose to 2.33 days from 1.96 days the previous year, while hotel occupancy rates increased to 44.57% from 41.55%.
“The rise in length of stay and occupancy indicates tourists are choosing The Mandalika for longer stays, generating greater economic benefits for local businesses, SMEs, and the hospitality sector,” Troy added.
Optimism about the area’s development was also expressed by one investor, PT Kleo Mandalika Resort Managing Director Satoki Okazaki.
He said The Mandalika has significant potential to develop as a tourism destination not reliant solely on events, but also supported by natural strengths, the local ecosystem, and growing tourism activities.
“We see The Mandalika maturing into a destination with strong character. Growing tourism activity, improved connectivity, and ongoing development signal positive prospects for businesses and investors to grow sustainably together,” he said.
Tourism activity in The Mandalika is also supported by improved air connectivity to Lombok.
According to InJourney Airports data, passenger numbers at Zainuddin Abdul Madjid International Airport (BIZAM) between January and April 2026 reached 850,319, a 18.4% increase from the same period last year.
Meanwhile, total flight movements grew by 35.3% compared to 2025. Domestic and international airlines including Garuda Indonesia, Citilink, AirAsia, and Scoot currently operate 11 domestic and two international routes to Lombok.
Zainuddin Abdul Madjid International Airport General Manager Aidhil Philip Julian said the rise in passenger traffic and flight movements reflects growing tourist mobility and positive economic activity in Lombok.
“Strengthening air connectivity is crucial for supporting tourism and investment growth in NTB, especially in strategic areas like The Mandalika. We also see rising demand for connectivity to Lombok from both domestic and international tourists,” he added.
ITDC continues to strengthen infrastructure and supporting facilities, from utility development, area support systems, connectivity enhancement, to tourism zone planning to improve visitor comfort and experience.
Through these efforts, ITDC is confident The Mandalika will further develop as a national tourism hotspot and a key driver of new economic growth in NTB.