Mataram (ANTARA) – The Bali, West Nusa Tenggara (NTB), and East Nusa Tenggara (NTT) Regional Cooperation (KRBNN) has been officially launched through five action plans to integrate economic connectivity and boost regional competitiveness.
The signing took place in Bali and was attended by NTB Governor Lalu Muhamad Iqbal, Bali Governor I Wayan Koster, and NTT Regional Secretary Fransiskus Sales Sodo, who represented the NTT governor, according to a statement on Saturday.
Iqbal said the cooperation holds strong potential because Bali, NTB, and NTT share geographic proximity, historical and cultural ties, and similar economic strengths.
Regional cooperation must extend beyond government-to-government relations, as private sector involvement is essential to generate economic activity and tangible public benefits, he noted.
“Good cooperation is not driven only by the government. Good cooperation must be driven by the private sector,” Iqbal said.
Several concrete initiatives are underway, including plans by Bank NTB Syariah, Bank NTT, and BPD Bali to strengthen banking connectivity through a cross-regional card for transactions and ATM access across all three provinces.
In the energy sector, the provinces are developing a super grid project connecting Bali, NTB, and NTT, which is finalizing its feasibility study before advancing to commercial stages with private partners.
In tourism, authorities are exploring seaplane services to link major destinations and support quality travel across the archipelago.
Iqbal emphasized that the cooperation draws strength from viewing the sea not as a barrier separating the three provinces, but as a corridor connecting communities and island economies.
He added that the unity of Bali, NTB, and NTT is rooted in deep historical and cultural bonds rather than mere political aspiration.
“NTB and NTT are not an aspiration to unite, but a destiny to unite. It is indeed their destiny to be united because there are so many similarities and commonalities we can work on together,” Iqbal said.
This inter-regional solidarity was demonstrated when an earthquake struck Flores, NTT, in August, as the governors coordinated within an hour and aid from Bali and NTB arrived on the third day.
Cooperation was further strengthened through an agreement among PT Jamkrida Bali Mandara, PT Jamkrida NTB Syariah, and PT Jamkrida Nusa Tenggara Timur to expand credit guarantee access and bolster micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in each province.
Koster urged relevant regional agencies to immediately execute the five action plans systematically, measurably, and with a clear division of roles.
“I hope the relevant regional agencies in the three provinces will immediately follow up on these action plans according to their respective duties and authority,” Koster said.
Meanwhile, Sodo expressed appreciation for the disaster relief provided by Bali and NTB following the Flores earthquake.
He also affirmed the NTT provincial administration’s readiness to oversee every stage of the regional partnership.
The broader agreement covers development planning, transportation, trade and industry, energy, and tourism.
The five action plans are designed to provide clear policy direction, measurable programs, defined responsibilities, and sustained follow-up across all three provinces.
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Translator: Nur Imansyah, Fauzul Azhim Bin Fakhrurazi
Editor: Arie Novarina
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