Partnership with West Nusa Tenggara Province, Indonesia Begins
The Indonesia Research Institute held a meeting with Governor Iqbal of West Nusa Tenggara Province and others in Lombok. While challenges such as a shortage of Japanese teachers were highlighted regarding the dispatch of workers to Japan, discussions focused on introducing a 'zero-cost dispatch' scheme through Bank NTB Syariah to eliminate the financial burden on workers.
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- 📰 Published: May 23, 2026 at 22:15
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Meeting with the Governor and the Head of the Manpower and Transmigration Office of West Nusa Tenggara (NTB) Province, Indonesia
The Indonesia Research Institute recently held a meeting in Lombok with the Governor and the Head of the Manpower and Transmigration Office of West Nusa Tenggara (hereinafter NTB) Province, Indonesia. Held in late April 2026 at the Governor's office in Mataram, the meeting facilitated a frank exchange of views on vocational training, language education, business partnerships with Japan, and collaboration between vocational training institutions (LPK). A new partnership between Indonesia and Japan is about to be born.
This meeting was also covered by local media, including Tribun Lombok and Duta Selaparang, attracting widespread attention.
Local Media Articles (Indonesian)
Tribun Lombok Article
Duta Selaparang Article
What kind of place is Lombok?
Lombok Island, belonging to West Nusa Tenggara Province (Nusa Tenggara Barat / NTB), is located east of Bali and consists of one city, including the provincial capital Mataram, and four regencies. It is highly accessible, taking about 2 hours by air from Jakarta and only a 30-40 minute flight from Bali.
The population is approximately 4.11 million (as of 2025), most of whom are the indigenous Sasak people. The Sasak language is spoken daily on the island, and a unique culture has taken root. In contrast to Bali, which has a strong Hindu culture, Lombok is predominantly Muslim and is also known as the "Island of a Thousand Mosques" due to the beautiful mosques dotted throughout the island.
Its rich nature is another attraction. Mount Rinjani, the third highest peak in Indonesia, and the Gili Islands, world-famous as a resort area, attract many tourists. It is also known for its unique spicy dishes such as Ayam Taliwang and Plecing Kangkung, delighting visitors with its food culture.
Industrially, while traditional agriculture and fisheries form the foundation, a structural shift toward a "tourism"-centric industry is currently underway. In agriculture, rice is the staple crop, while the cultivation of corn, tobacco, cashew nuts, and coffee beans is also thriving. In fisheries, pearl farming is globally recognized. Furthermore, with the development of an international circuit in the southern Mandalika area, Lombok is transforming into a global tourism hub.
Challenges facing West Nusa Tenggara Province: Inequality and Human Resource Shortages
While development progresses, West Nusa Tenggara Province faces several structural challenges.
The biggest challenge is the issue of inequality, where the benefits of tourism development are not sufficiently reaching local residents. The poverty rate in West Nusa Tenggara Province is about 11% (as of 2025), well above the national average of about 8%. Particularly in rural areas, income opportunities are limited, making job creation an urgent issue.
Furthermore, mismatches such as a lack of employment opportunities for the youth and delayed language and skills education for tourism and overseas employment are serious problems. As the dispatch of human resources overseas expands across Indonesia, establishing a foundation for human resource development has become a challenge in West Nusa Tenggara Province as well. Against this backdrop, concrete solutions through collaboration with Japan were discussed at this meeting.
Overview of the Meeting: Current Situation Revealed in Discussions with Governor Iqbal
Exchange of Views at the Office of West Nusa Tenggara Governor Iqbal
In April 2026, staff from our Indonesia Research Institute visited the office of West Nusa Tenggara Governor Iqbal, engaging in a frank exchange of views on vocational training, language education, business partnerships with Japan, and collaboration between vocational training institutions (LPK).
During the meeting, the Governor emphasized that the approach to migrant workers (PMI: Pekerja Migran Indonesia) is based on an "international obligation."
"In West Nusa Tenggara Province today, from the perspective of international obligation, our fundamental stance is to provide protection not only to workers but to all citizens, including their families, at all stages: pre-departure, during dispatch, and post-departure."
The clear stance of designing a system that protects the lives and futures of human resources, rather than merely exporting labor, was conveyed.
One of the key points revealed in the meeting is the target for dispatching migrant workers from Indonesia to Japan. West Nusa Tenggara Province has been tasked with sending 2,000 workers to Japan this year. As the Indonesian government promotes the overseas dispatch of human resources as a national policy, the establishment of receiving mechanisms in the province is proceeding at a rapid pace.
However, the overwhelming shortage of Japanese language teachers in West Nusa Tenggara Province remains the biggest hurdle. Currently, there are only 3 Japanese language teachers residing in West Nusa Tenggara Province. Against a dispatch target of 2,000, it became clear that the educational infrastructure is not keeping up.
The Head of the Manpower and Transmigration Office appealed for the need for instructor support from the private sector as a short-term solution to this issue, and the Governor also granted formal permission to formulate skill-up training programs for Japanese teachers and trainers.
The Mechanism of "Zero-Cost" Dispatch: Bank NTB Syariah's KUR PMI Scheme
What drew particular attention at this meeting was Indonesia's unique concept of "zero-cost dispatch." The Governor explained the program designed in collaboration with the local bank, Bank NTB Syariah, as follows:
"The approach is 'overseas at zero cost.' It is a system where pre-departure costs are paid in advance, and the hiring company repays Bank NTB Syariah. This is expected to be applied first with Malaysia in the near future."
Conventionally, workers traveling from Indonesia to Japan, Malaysia, South Korea, etc., generally bore their own travel, training, and various administrative costs. Many young people were forced to give up their dreams due to economic reasons. This zero-cost scheme is a groundbreaking initiative to remove such economic hurdles.
Bank NTB Syariah (an Islamic regional bank in West Nusa Tenggara Province) provides special financing for prospective Indonesian Migrant Workers (CPMI) through the integrated KUR PMI (Kredit Usaha Rakyat untuk Pekerja Migran Indonesia: Microcredit for Indonesian Migrant Workers) scheme based on Islamic finance principles. The amount the bank expects to allocate this time reaches approximately 10 billion rupiah (about 100 million Japanese yen).
Furthermore, what is notable is that this scheme is designed not to end as a mere "debt." Workers abroad can hold a dedicated account accessible through Bank NTB Syariah in both their host country and their home region. They can save during their contract period and choose to invest in business within West Nusa Tenggara Province upon returning home.
The Indonesia Research Institute recently held a meeting in Lombok with the Governor and the Head of the Manpower and Transmigration Office of West Nusa Tenggara (hereinafter NTB) Province, Indonesia. Held in late April 2026 at the Governor's office in Mataram, the meeting facilitated a frank exchange of views on vocational training, language education, business partnerships with Japan, and collaboration between vocational training institutions (LPK). A new partnership between Indonesia and Japan is about to be born.
This meeting was also covered by local media, including Tribun Lombok and Duta Selaparang, attracting widespread attention.
Local Media Articles (Indonesian)
Tribun Lombok Article
Duta Selaparang Article
What kind of place is Lombok?
Lombok Island, belonging to West Nusa Tenggara Province (Nusa Tenggara Barat / NTB), is located east of Bali and consists of one city, including the provincial capital Mataram, and four regencies. It is highly accessible, taking about 2 hours by air from Jakarta and only a 30-40 minute flight from Bali.
The population is approximately 4.11 million (as of 2025), most of whom are the indigenous Sasak people. The Sasak language is spoken daily on the island, and a unique culture has taken root. In contrast to Bali, which has a strong Hindu culture, Lombok is predominantly Muslim and is also known as the "Island of a Thousand Mosques" due to the beautiful mosques dotted throughout the island.
Its rich nature is another attraction. Mount Rinjani, the third highest peak in Indonesia, and the Gili Islands, world-famous as a resort area, attract many tourists. It is also known for its unique spicy dishes such as Ayam Taliwang and Plecing Kangkung, delighting visitors with its food culture.
Industrially, while traditional agriculture and fisheries form the foundation, a structural shift toward a "tourism"-centric industry is currently underway. In agriculture, rice is the staple crop, while the cultivation of corn, tobacco, cashew nuts, and coffee beans is also thriving. In fisheries, pearl farming is globally recognized. Furthermore, with the development of an international circuit in the southern Mandalika area, Lombok is transforming into a global tourism hub.
Challenges facing West Nusa Tenggara Province: Inequality and Human Resource Shortages
While development progresses, West Nusa Tenggara Province faces several structural challenges.
The biggest challenge is the issue of inequality, where the benefits of tourism development are not sufficiently reaching local residents. The poverty rate in West Nusa Tenggara Province is about 11% (as of 2025), well above the national average of about 8%. Particularly in rural areas, income opportunities are limited, making job creation an urgent issue.
Furthermore, mismatches such as a lack of employment opportunities for the youth and delayed language and skills education for tourism and overseas employment are serious problems. As the dispatch of human resources overseas expands across Indonesia, establishing a foundation for human resource development has become a challenge in West Nusa Tenggara Province as well. Against this backdrop, concrete solutions through collaboration with Japan were discussed at this meeting.
Overview of the Meeting: Current Situation Revealed in Discussions with Governor Iqbal
Exchange of Views at the Office of West Nusa Tenggara Governor Iqbal
In April 2026, staff from our Indonesia Research Institute visited the office of West Nusa Tenggara Governor Iqbal, engaging in a frank exchange of views on vocational training, language education, business partnerships with Japan, and collaboration between vocational training institutions (LPK).
During the meeting, the Governor emphasized that the approach to migrant workers (PMI: Pekerja Migran Indonesia) is based on an "international obligation."
"In West Nusa Tenggara Province today, from the perspective of international obligation, our fundamental stance is to provide protection not only to workers but to all citizens, including their families, at all stages: pre-departure, during dispatch, and post-departure."
The clear stance of designing a system that protects the lives and futures of human resources, rather than merely exporting labor, was conveyed.
One of the key points revealed in the meeting is the target for dispatching migrant workers from Indonesia to Japan. West Nusa Tenggara Province has been tasked with sending 2,000 workers to Japan this year. As the Indonesian government promotes the overseas dispatch of human resources as a national policy, the establishment of receiving mechanisms in the province is proceeding at a rapid pace.
However, the overwhelming shortage of Japanese language teachers in West Nusa Tenggara Province remains the biggest hurdle. Currently, there are only 3 Japanese language teachers residing in West Nusa Tenggara Province. Against a dispatch target of 2,000, it became clear that the educational infrastructure is not keeping up.
The Head of the Manpower and Transmigration Office appealed for the need for instructor support from the private sector as a short-term solution to this issue, and the Governor also granted formal permission to formulate skill-up training programs for Japanese teachers and trainers.
The Mechanism of "Zero-Cost" Dispatch: Bank NTB Syariah's KUR PMI Scheme
What drew particular attention at this meeting was Indonesia's unique concept of "zero-cost dispatch." The Governor explained the program designed in collaboration with the local bank, Bank NTB Syariah, as follows:
"The approach is 'overseas at zero cost.' It is a system where pre-departure costs are paid in advance, and the hiring company repays Bank NTB Syariah. This is expected to be applied first with Malaysia in the near future."
Conventionally, workers traveling from Indonesia to Japan, Malaysia, South Korea, etc., generally bore their own travel, training, and various administrative costs. Many young people were forced to give up their dreams due to economic reasons. This zero-cost scheme is a groundbreaking initiative to remove such economic hurdles.
Bank NTB Syariah (an Islamic regional bank in West Nusa Tenggara Province) provides special financing for prospective Indonesian Migrant Workers (CPMI) through the integrated KUR PMI (Kredit Usaha Rakyat untuk Pekerja Migran Indonesia: Microcredit for Indonesian Migrant Workers) scheme based on Islamic finance principles. The amount the bank expects to allocate this time reaches approximately 10 billion rupiah (about 100 million Japanese yen).
Furthermore, what is notable is that this scheme is designed not to end as a mere "debt." Workers abroad can hold a dedicated account accessible through Bank NTB Syariah in both their host country and their home region. They can save during their contract period and choose to invest in business within West Nusa Tenggara Province upon returning home.
FAQ
What is zero-cost dispatch?
A scheme where a local bank advances pre-dispatch costs and the hiring company repays them.
Which region is involved?
West Nusa Tenggara Province (including Lombok) in Indonesia.
What are the future challenges?
The lack of educational infrastructure, with only 3 Japanese teachers for a goal of 2,000 workers.