PRIME NEWS POST 

NTB – The Regional Conference (Musda) of the Indonesian Youth National Committee (KNPI) for West Nusa Tenggara (NTB), held at Raja Hotel Mandalika, served as a key moment for the Central Executive Board (DPP) of KNPI, alongside the NTB Provincial Executive Board (DPD I) and all Regency/City Executive Boards (DPD II) across NTB, to reaffirm full support for the “Gubernur NTB Makmur Mendunia” (World-Class Prosperous NTB Governor) program led by NTB Governor Dr. H. Lalu Muhammad Iqbal, S.IP, M.SI.

Beyond inaugurating the new leadership of KNPI NTB DPD I – with Daud Azhari, SH (known as Daud Gerung) elected by acclamation – the event also became a platform to express the highest appreciation for the governor’s efforts to build NTB into an independent, competitive, and globally recognized region.

Born in Praya, Central Lombok, on July 10, 1972, Dr. H. Lalu Muhammad Iqbal is a career diplomat who previously served as Indonesia’s Ambassador to Turkey and Spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. He was elected as the 9th Governor of NTB in the 2024 Regional Elections and officially sworn in by President Prabowo Subianto on February 20, 2025. With a strong educational background from Muhammadiyah University of Yogyakarta, Gadjah Mada University, the University of Indonesia, and the University of Bucharest, he brings valuable international insights to his role.

“We, the entire KNPI family from the central board to all chapters across NTB, extend full support and commitment to be the frontline in safeguarding the ‘World-Class Prosperous NTB’ program,” said Dr. H. Ali Hanafiah, SE, SH, M.Si, Chairman of KNPI’s Central Executive Board. He added that the governor’s visionary program aligns with KNPI’s goal of strengthening youth participation in regional and national development, and has inspired young people.

On the same occasion, Raja Agung Nusantara, M.Pd, M.M. – Executive Chairman of KNPI DPP and also Chairman of the Central Executive Board of the Indonesian Student and Youth Movement (GMPRI) – congratulated Daud Azhari and emphasized the importance of youth unity in supporting development programs. “The new leadership of KNPI NTB DPD I is expected to bring a spirit of renewal and collaboration to help realize the governor’s vision. We see his expertise in international relations as a great strength to put NTB on the global map, as reflected in the target of hosting an international conference in 2027 and building world-standard infrastructure,” he stated.

He also expressed appreciation for Central Lombok Regent H. Lalu Pathul Bahri, who has inspired young people by winning a spot in the TOP 100 Leader Choice at the 2025 Indonesia Visionary Leadership Awards.

In his inaugural speech outlining his vision and mission, Governor Lalu Iqbal stated that the “World-Class Prosperous NTB” program will be implemented through 7 missions, 10 flagship programs, and 3 key priorities: eradicating extreme poverty, strengthening food security, and making NTB a world-class tourist destination. One of his strategies is to develop the tourism sector through Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE) activities to attract visitors year-round, thereby promoting affordable domestic and international flights to Lombok and Sumbawa. He also emphasized the importance of bureaucratic reform as an initial step to accelerate development.

Daud Azhari, SH, Chairman of KNPI NTB DPD I, reaffirmed the commitment of all NTB KNPI chapters to actively participate in the governor’s programs. “We will act as a bridge between the government and young people, ensuring the ‘World-Class Prosperous NTB’ program truly reaches the community, especially the youth. NTB’s young generation is ready to contribute with innovation and enthusiasm, particularly in supporting the development of tourism and desired infrastructure,” he said.

The conference, successfully organized by KNPI’s central board leaders including Secretary-General Guntur Setiawan, SH, MM, and Treasurer-General Teguh Riadi, also paid tribute to Taupik Hidayat for his dedication during his tenure as previous chairman of KNPI NTB DPD I.

KNPI reaffirmed its role as a unifying platform for Indonesian youth, always at the forefront of development, with the hope that the “World-Class Prosperous NTB” program will make NTB a model of a progressive, prosperous, and just region in Indonesia.

(Ed)