Supporting Tourism: Moroccan and Australian Investors Build Accommodation in Central Lombok

Monday, 08 June 2026

When people talk about Lombok, they usually mention beautiful beaches, the Mandalika Circuit, or stunning sunsets over Selong Belanak. But behind the growing tourism industry, another story is unfolding: foreign investors are beginning to see Central Lombok as a place full of opportunity.

In early 2026, two foreign investors from Morocco and Australia announced plans to invest in tourism accommodation projects in Central Lombok. This development is expected to strengthen the region’s tourism infrastructure while creating new economic opportunities for local communities.

The Moroccan investor has already started construction on a villa project in Motong Ajan Village. The investment is worth around Rp72 billion, making it one of the notable tourism accommodation projects currently underway in the region. The first phase includes 21 villas, with operations expected to begin soon.

Meanwhile, an Australian investor is exploring opportunities in Selong Belanak, one of Lombok’s most famous beach destinations. The proposed project is much larger, requiring approximately 100 hectares of land. The concept is particularly interesting because it targets visitors from the Middle East and Muslim travelers seeking long-stay resort experiences.

The Australian project is expected to include not only accommodation facilities but also supporting infrastructure such as schools and community facilities. This approach reflects a growing trend in tourism development where investors create complete ecosystems rather than simply building hotels or resorts.

For Central Lombok, these investments bring several advantages. First, construction activities create jobs for local workers. Second, once operational, villas and resorts require staff for hospitality, maintenance, transportation, food services, and administration. Third, local businesses such as restaurants, tour operators, and handicraft sellers can benefit from increased tourist spending.

Local authorities have welcomed the investments and emphasized the importance of maintaining security and improving infrastructure to support future tourism growth. Investors have also requested better road access to project sites, highlighting the role of public infrastructure in attracting private capital.

What makes this development especially significant is that it demonstrates growing international confidence in Lombok’s tourism future. For years, Bali has dominated Indonesia’s tourism landscape. Today, however, destinations like Lombok are increasingly attracting global attention thanks to their natural beauty, growing accessibility, and investment-friendly environment.

As more international investors arrive, the challenge will be ensuring that development remains sustainable and benefits local communities. If managed well, these projects could help transform Central Lombok into one of Southeast Asia’s most exciting tourism destinations.