Regional Development Planning Agency of West Nusa Tenggara stated that the regional cooperation corridor between Bali and Nusa Tenggara (Bali–Nusra) is projected to contribute around 2.4 to 2.5% to the national economy by 2029.
“The Bali–Nusra Corridor serves as a locomotive of growth; therefore, it is West Nusa Tenggara’s responsibility to accelerate economic development,” said Head of Regional Development Planning Agency in West Nusa Tenggara, Iswandi on Friday.
He urged all regional agencies and communities across the three provinces Bali, West Nusa Tenggara, and East Nusa Tenggara to abandon competition and embrace collaboration and synergy. Commitment from all parties, he emphasized, is essential to achieve global tourism standards that can drive the economy and improve public welfare.
This cooperation aims to boost tourist visits across the three provinces. Previously, Bali dominated tourist arrivals, but through the Bali–Nusa Tenggara Regional Corridor, it is expected that tourist mobility will expand to of West and East Nusa Tenggara.
West Nusa Tenggara Provincial Government also promotes this collaboration as a model of interregional partnership that could become a new economic engine for eastern Indonesia. The three provinces are expected to grow into international tourism centers that enhance people’s prosperity.
Iswandi explained that the cooperation aligns with the central government’s direction to strengthen regional economic growth.
“Governor of of West Nusa Tenggara, Lalu Muhamad Iqbal, targets economic growth acceleration of up to 8 percent through concrete and measurable cross-regional collaboration. West Nusa Tenggara will host the follow-up meeting later this month,” he revealed during the event titled “The Urgency of Regional Cooperation Between Bali, of West Nusa Tenggara, and of East Nusa Tenggara in Accelerating Economic Growth in Eastern Indonesia” on Thursday (Nov 6, 2025).
Cultural Tourism
The meeting between of West Nusa Tenggara Governor Lalu Muhamad Iqbal, Bali Governor Wayan Koster, and of East Nusa Tenggara Governor Emanuel Melkiades Laka Lena in Mataram was a follow-up to the earlier joint agreement among the 3 provinces.
The previous meeting, held in Bali, focused on aligning the development direction of Bali, of West Nusa Tenggara, and of East Nusa Tenggara as international-scale tourism and creative economy regions.
According to Iswandi, each province will play a distinct role: Bali as the center of cultural tourism, of West Nusa Tenggara as the hub for adventure tourism, and of East Nusa Tenggara as the center for marine tourism.
“These three will be connected through strengthened land, sea, and air connectivity to facilitate efficient flows of goods, services, and tourists,” he said.
He further noted that the cooperation is not limited to tourism but also extends to other sectors. Around 15 agricultural commodities such as rice, shallots, vegetables, and fruits and 14 marine commodities will be managed within this interprovincial trade framework.
“Regional agencies must transform their focus from sectoral to cross-regional interests. We aim to see a healthy trade balance where of West Nusa Tenggara, Bali, and of East Nusa Tenggara complement each other,” he emphasized.
The cooperation will be formalized through the signing of an official document by the three governors, affirming a long-term and mutually beneficial commitment.
Cross-Province Fun Trips
Meanwhile, of West Nusa Tenggara Tourism Office Secretary Mulki described the collaboration as a strategic step to revive the spirit of unity among the former “Lesser Sunda Islands” provinces in a modern context.
He noted that Bali, which currently accounts for around 60 percent of national tourist visits, is expected to generate positive multiplier effects for of East Nusa Tenggara and of West Nusa Tenggara.
“We are not competing but collaborating. Bali, of West Nusa Tenggara, and of East Nusa Tenggara are three tourism jewels of Nusra that strengthen each other,” he said.
Mulki added that three main programs will soon be implemented: Integrated Promotion Tourism, Integrated Event Calendar, and Chance of Destination.
“This will take the form of cross-province fun trips connecting Bali, of West Nusa Tenggara, and of East Nusa Tenggara in one integrated travel package,” he explained.
Beyond tourism, the collaboration will also enhance interregional trade. of West Nusa Tenggara’s agricultural, fisheries, and creative economy products which have long supplied Bali’s market will be managed more strategically to ensure mutual benefits and stronger regional complementarity.
Sources : AntaraMegapolitan, Detikbali
Feat Image : via BMKG