To Strengthen Competitiveness, NTB Provincial Government Rebrands NTB Mall as BaleKITA

BaleKITA is expected to become a new identity that represents the authenticity of West Nusa Tenggara’s flagship products. Mataram (ANTARA) - The West Nusa Tenggara (NTB) Provincial Government is rebranding or changing the name of the app-based marketplace NTB Mall to BaleKITA as a strategic step to strengthen the identity and competitiveness of the region’s flagship products. Chair of the National Crafts Council of the NTB Region (Dekranasda) NTB, Sinta Agathia, stated that this rebranding transformation is a new concept that promotes values of creativity, innovation, openness, and authenticity. “BaleKITA is expected to become a new identity that represents the authenticity of West Nusa Tenggara’s flagship products while serving as a more inclusive and competitive promotional space,” she said in Mataram on Monday. Sinta explained that the name change is part of transforming the local product showcase to be more adaptive to market needs and capable of driving increased sales for UMKM. The NTB Government is conducting a comprehensive overhaul of the concept, product curation, and layout. Every product displayed by BaleKITA is equipped with a strong story highlighting its origins, production process, cultural values, and uniqueness. According to her, this approach aims to increase the selling value of products while strengthening identity and emotional connection between the products and consumers. The product showcase has been rearranged to present a more modern, functional, and visually appealing display to enhance consumer attraction. Products are grouped in a more structured manner to facilitate visitors in exploring NTB’s flagship products. “BaleKITA must appear fresher, more attractive, and capable of meeting market needs. BaleKITA is not just a display space, but a space that can drive product sales,” said Sinta. All products undergo a re-curation process with stricter standards covering product quality, legality, packaging, and suitability for market segments. If products do not yet meet the criteria, the government will provide ongoing guidance to enable them to compete. Head of the NTB Industry and Trade Office, Irnadi Kusuma, emphasised that his office continues to strengthen data and UMKM mentoring so that the displayed products reflect regional quality and identity. Cross-sector integration, he added, is key to presenting BaleKITA as a flagship showcase that is a source of pride for West Nusa Tenggara. “BaleKITA is not only a promotion centre but also an engine for regional economic growth that can elevate UMKM and strengthen NTB’s position as a creative, innovative, and world-class region,” Irnadi concluded.