Tanjung Aan's Allure Drives Investment Surge at Mandalika SEZ

The Mandalika Special Economic Zone (SEZ) in Lombok, West Nusa Tenggara (NTB), continues to show positive momentum. By the end of 2025, cumulative investments in the area have reached Rp6.018 trillion, directly boosting local employment. The SEZ currently employs 26,002 local and national workers, reflecting the growth of an integrated tourism ecosystem that drives regional economic development and job creation. The number of businesses has also grown significantly, with 27 companies operating in Mandalika across sectors including hospitality, lifestyle tourism, mixed-use development, utilities, and motorsport ecosystem support. Internationally, Mandalika SEZ is increasingly attracting global investors, including those from Singapore, Japan, the United States, Spain, and Morocco. Rising investment figures and growing tourist numbers are strengthening its position as a national priority tourism and investment destination. Troy Warokka, Director of Operations at InJourney Tourism Development Corporation (ITDC), stated that ITDC is reinforcing the investment ecosystem by enhancing destination quality, developing infrastructure, and providing utilities to sustain The Mandalika as a premier national tourism destination. ‘The influx of investors demonstrates growing business confidence in The Mandalika’s potential as a world-class tourism destination. The area’s strong appeal lies in its integrated tourism concept, combining sports tourism, hospitality, commercial zones, green spaces, and public facilities,’ he added. Beyond investment growth, tourism activities in The Mandalika show positive trends. From January to April 2026, the area welcomed 285,003 visitors, with average stays rising to 2.33 days compared to 1.96 days the previous year. Average hotel occupancy rates also rose to 44.57% from 41.55% in the same period last year. This increase in stay duration and occupancy indicates tourists are increasingly choosing The Mandalika for longer visits,’ he said. ‘This situation delivers greater economic benefits for local businesses, SMEs, and the hospitality sector in the surrounding area,’ Troy added. Optimism about the area’s development was also shared by Satoki Okazaki, President Director of PT Kleo Mandalika Resort, one of the investors in The Mandalika. According to Satoki, The Mandalika has significant potential to develop as a tourism destination not reliant solely on events, but supported by natural beauty, a robust ecosystem, and growing tourism activities. ‘We see The Mandalika evolving into a mature destination with a strong identity. Growing tourism activities, improved connectivity, and ongoing development signal positive prospects for businesses and investors to grow sustainably together,’ he said. PT Kleo recently began soft operations for Kleo Beach Club at the eastern part of Tanjung Aan Beach near Bukit Merese. Since opening, the area has consistently attracted visitors. Visitors come to enjoy Tanjung Aan’s beauty while sunbathing along the shore. According to Yosi Pramana, Marketing Officer of Kleo Beach Club, speaking to Media Indonesia on Monday, 25 May, tourists stay at Tanjung Aan until 6pm local time before returning to their hotels in the surrounding Mandalika area. Kleo has designated areas for tourists to sit, rest, dine, and enjoy Tanjung Aan’s scenic views. Free access is also provided for visitors who merely wish to stroll around the area. Yosi stated that 180 to 250 tourists visit Kleo daily. ‘By noon, queues begin forming until 6pm, though we remain open until 8pm,’ he said. Besides enjoying the beach, tourists engage in surfing and swimming during the day, while in the evening they watch locals driving buffaloes along the shore. ‘We collaborate with locals to empower them,’ Yosi said. Locals drive buffaloes through the area for about 30 minutes in the evening, which attracts tourist attention. Additionally, locals bring their horses for performances, and around 5pm, many tourists request horseback riding. Yosi noted that most visitors are European, with 20% from Asia. ‘However, on weekends, locals—especially domestic tourists from Jakarta and other regions—dominate, particularly during public holidays,’ he said. Yosi added that Kleo Beach Club is currently preparing for a grand opening event in the coming months. PT Kleo Mandalika Resort has invested Rp2.1 trillion to build a luxury resort on Tanjung Aan Beach within the Mandalika SEZ, spanning over 10 hectares and featuring a five-star hotel under the Luxury Brand Collection concept.