The Governor of West Nusa Tenggara (NTB), Lalu Muhammad Iqbal, officially inaugurated the Rinjani Geopark Information Center (Pusat Informasi Geopark Rinjani, PIGR) in Sembalun, East Lombok Regency, on Saturday, May 2, 2026. The establishment of this facility marks a strategic milestone in strengthening the institutional presence of the Rinjani-Lombok Geopark while advancing inclusive economic development in communities surrounding the Rinjani area.
The launch of PIGR is part of a broader effort by the provincial government to stimulate economic growth within the “Rinjani ring” — a term referring to the cluster of communities, landscapes, and economic ecosystems that encircle Mount Rinjani. Governor Lalu Muhammad Iqbal emphasized that the information center is not merely a symbolic development, but a functional platform designed to catalyze local economic activity. He highlighted that initiatives such as PIGR are essential in ensuring that geopark designation translates into tangible benefits for local populations.
“The launch of PIGR is one of the key efforts to encourage economic growth in the Rinjani area,” the Governor stated during the inauguration ceremony.
The operational launch of PIGR was held in conjunction with an exhibition showcasing products and processed goods from micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) affiliated with the Rinjani-Lombok Geopark, particularly those based in the Sembalun district. The exhibition served as a practical demonstration of how geopark-linked initiatives can support local entrepreneurship, value-added production, and market access for community-based enterprises.
Governor Iqbal expressed his hope that the PIGR facility would serve multiple functions beyond its role as a center for data and information. He underscored its potential as a hub for economic empowerment, innovation, and collaboration among stakeholders in the Rinjani region. According to him, the Geopark Rinjani management team plays a critical role in facilitating these outcomes, acting as both a coordinator and catalyst for local development.
“The Geopark Rinjani team plays an important role in driving economic growth in the Rinjani area,” he added.
This perspective was echoed by the General Manager of the Rinjani-Lombok Geopark, Qwadro Putro Wicaksono, who spoke during the inauguration event. He described the PIGR building as more than just an administrative or informational facility, but as a space designed to inspire creativity, foster collaboration, and strengthen community engagement across the geopark network.
He noted that the participation of MSME partners in the event reflects a deliberate effort to elevate local businesses as key stakeholders within the geopark ecosystem. By providing visibility and promotional opportunities, the geopark aims to position these enterprises as integral components of sustainable regional development.
“The presence of MSME partners at this event is part of our effort to promote local businesses within the Rinjani area,” he explained.
Looking ahead, Qwadro emphasized that the Rinjani Geopark will continue to strengthen collaboration with local communities and prioritize MSMEs as strategic partners in its development agenda. He highlighted plans to introduce conservation-based programs that integrate economic activities, particularly those centered around coffee cultivation and production. Lombok coffee, known for its distinctive flavor profile and aroma, presents a promising opportunity to link environmental stewardship with livelihood generation.
Through such initiatives, the geopark seeks to develop new economic pathways that are both sustainable and rooted in local identity. By aligning conservation efforts with community-based industries, the Rinjani-Lombok Geopark aims to reinforce its role as a model for integrated development, where environmental preservation and economic growth are mutually reinforcing.
“Through this program, we hope to see the emergence of new economic opportunities in the Rinjani area,” Qwadro concluded.
The inauguration of the PIGR Sembalun facility thus represents a significant step in deepening the impact of the Rinjani-Lombok Geopark, transforming it from a site of natural heritage into a dynamic platform for community-driven development, innovation, and sustainable economic growth.
