
House Awasi, designed by Caceres + Tous, is set for completion in 2024 on Lombok, Indonesia. This modern home is designed to blend with the natural landscape, using glass to maximize natural light and offer views of the surroundings. Constructed with stone for durability and steel for a modern aesthetic, the materials are chosen to suit Lombok's tropical climate. The design also incorporates elements that reflect Lombok's cultural heritage, including the intricate crafts and arts of the Sasak people, such as weaving and woodcarving. House Awasi aims to be a blend of nature, culture, and modern architecture.
This summary was generated from a story originally published by Lombok news.
Must readA recent study revealed that sea salt sold in markets across Lombok Island, Indonesia, contains microplastics. These tiny plastic particles, less than 5 millimeters, form when larger plastic waste breaks down, often ending up in the ocean. Since sea salt is produced by evaporating seawater, it is particularly susceptible to contamination if the source water contains microplastics. Researchers led by Anna Ida Sunaryo Purwiyanto collected 20 salt samples from 10 markets on Lombok Island, finding microplastics in every sample. While contamination levels varied, the consistent presence indicates widespread contamination in the ocean surrounding Lombok. Crystal sea salt showed higher microplastic levels than fine salt, likely because fine salt undergoes washing and filtering processes that remove some particles. The study suggests that additional washing and filtering could further reduce contamination. Researchers also noted the absence of standardized guidelines for microplastics in salt products, recommending that microplastic monitoring be integrated into national food safety and salt quality standards. Tamara Galloway, a microplastics researcher not involved in the study, confirmed that the presence of microplastics in sea salt has been known for some years and that the risk to human health from ingesting microplastics in sea salt is very low compared to other sources.

Former Great Britain no.1 padel player Frankie Langan is expanding his padel club ventures to Lombok, Indonesia, with the Laga Padel project. This new development, co-founded with Singapore-based businessman Adam Murray, will be located on 12,000m² of beachfront land in Kuta Town on Lombok's south coast. Laga Padel is planned to be a comprehensive resort featuring six padel courts, including a center court with a domed roof and spectator seating, villas, a hotel, a beach club, wellness facilities, and a gym. The project is set to begin foundation work in August 2026, with an estimated opening in early 2027. Langan will serve as Padel Manager and commit four months a year for the first four years to establish the business. Lombok is noted as a growing alternative to Bali, offering lower entry costs and increasing tourism. The team behind Laga Padel includes Liberty Asquith as Design and Marketing Manager, Kendall Armstrong as Project Governance Coordinator, William McIntyre as Development Director, Dr Carl Thong as Indonesian partner, and Christina Garcia as Head of Communications.
Must readIndonesia's Corruption Eradication Commission KPK has named West Lombok Regent Lalu Ahmad Zaini as a suspect in an alleged corruption scheme. The case involves project manipulation and bribery, with total benefits to the Regent estimated at Rp12.4 billion approximately US$699,000. Also named as suspects are Sudirman, President Director of regional water utility PT Air Minum Giri Menang PT AMGM, and Alvonsus Gani, President Director of PT Meconel Sistim Instrument PT MSI. The KPK alleges that Lalu Ahmad instructed the head of West Lombok's Public Works and Housing Agency to help Sudirman secure government contracts. Sudirman allegedly used CV Dyas Karya Konstruksi CV DKK and borrowed names of other contractors to obtain projects worth Rp17.9 billion, earning Rp10.6 billion from the scheme. Of the Rp41.7 billion received by CV DKK, Rp10.8 billion was allegedly transferred to Lalu Ahmad. Separately, PT MSI allegedly provided bribes to the Regent, including luxury goods, travel facilities, and cash exceeding Rp1.6 billion, after winning a Rp27.1 billion clean water management project. These alleged benefits included a Toyota Alphard, Hermes shoes, Lombok–Jakarta travel accommodation, cash, an iPhone 17 Pro, and a sacrificial cow.