Chinese Investor Explores Mining Projects in Lombok and Sumbawa

Mataram — Lu Keming, director of PT Star Bright International Investment, met West Nusa Tenggara Gov. Lalu Muhamad Iqbal on Oct. 15, 2026, to discuss potential investment in the province.

The Chinese foreign-investment executive said the company was examining mineral opportunities on Lombok and Sumbawa, with discussions narrowing to mining and volcanic-ash material from Mount Rinjani. The report was published on Oct. 16, 2026.

The proposed use of volcanic material would involve mixing it with soil for crops including coffee and rice, according to Lu. He said the material could support agricultural production in China, while seeking local-government support for investment and exports from West Nusa Tenggara.

Why it matters for Lombok and Sumbawa

For residents and visitors, the proposal signals possible new activity in areas where mining and extraction would intersect with agriculture, protected landscapes and tourism. The report says material use near Mount Rinjani would require strict government permits, so the meeting did not itself authorize mining or collection.

PT Star Bright International Investment has previously entered Indonesia to build an apartment complex in the new capital, Ibu Kota Nusantara. Lu said the company had invested Rp 1.25 trillion (about US$78 million) there. He also referred to a desire for investment rules in West Nusa Tenggara to resemble those in Morowali, which has attracted Chinese companies.

The report does not state that a project has been approved, provide a timetable or identify a confirmed site. Any activity involving Mount Rinjani would remain subject to the required permits and government review.

Sources

• detikBali — regional news report
• lombok.tribunnews.com
• rri.co.id
• lingkar.news
• mediantb.net