NTB Governor's Ambitious Move: Promoting Tourism Through Warner Bros Discovery Global Network.

Something interesting is happening in West Nusa Tenggara (NTB). This province, long known for the beauty of Mandalika Beach and the majesty of Mount Rinjani, is now preparing to step up to a new level, becoming a global stage for world-class tourism, sports, and entertainment.

This ambitious step comes from the Governor of NTB, Lalu Muhammad Iqbal, who has invited Warner Bros Discovery, an American entertainment giant, to help elevate the charm of NTB to the world stage.

"Warner Bros has many intellectual properties (IP) that we can bring here (NTB). We are in communication to see which IP is suitable to be implemented in NTB, both in Lombok and Sumbawa," said Iqbal after meeting with representatives of Warner Bros Discovery in Mataram.

This collaboration is not just about promotional discourse, but also part of NTB's major strategy to strengthen the Meeting, Incentive, Sport, and Event (MISE) program, a new concept that combines tourism potential with international sports and entertainment activities.

Preparing NTB as a World Stage

According to Iqbal, the talks with Warner Bros have become a potential space for idea exchange in many fields, from the film industry, thematic events, to sports tourism.

"Representatives from Warner Bros Global came to discuss that. We hope in the future we can bring national and global IP to NTB. In 2026, God willing, we will present a world-scale event," he said optimistically.

Imagine, if one day Warner Bros brings popular themes or characters like Aquaman, Discovery Earth, or even their signature adventure documentary series to NTB destinations, the impact could be tremendous.

Warner Bros itself has a number of nature and sports-themed IPs such as Ocean Rise and Golden Real which, according to Iqbal, show very high quality and appeal for adoption in NTB.

This step is in line with global trends. Based on the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO, 2024) report, interest in activity-based tourism, especially adventure sports and international events, has increased by 37% among young tourists. NTB, with its sea, mountain, and strong local culture landscapes, clearly has a strategic position in this market.

From Rinjani to Mandalika, Globally Connected Promotion

Iqbal also highlighted the strength of the international media network owned by Warner Bros Discovery. 

“Warner Bros has CNN, international media, and Eurosport. So once an event is created, its echo can go global. That's the reason we approached Warner Bros,” he explained.

Imagine if CNN or Discovery Channel airs a documentary about the Rinjani Mountain Festival or Sumbawa traditions during the Mandalika racing event, such content could become a new magnet for international tourists.

Currently, Discovery Channel does not yet have a program that explores Mount Rinjani. However, the visit of the Warner Bros team to the Rinjani Mountain Festival in Sembalun some time ago opened up great opportunities for new content collaboration.

It cannot be denied, NTB is now transforming from just a natural destination into a center of “experiential tourism”, where tourists come not only to see, but also to feel and interact.

With a combination of spectacular natural landscapes, improving infrastructure, and promotional opportunities from a global entertainment network, NTB has the potential to become the “next Bali” with a sportier and more modern character.

The synergy between the local government and Warner Bros Discovery opens up new opportunities to make NTB not only a tourist destination but also a global creative ecosystem. If this cooperation materializes, it is not impossible that we will see grand events, world-class documentaries, and even feature films set on the beaches of Lombok or the slopes of Rinjani.

As Iqbal said, this is not just about tourism, but about building a new image of Indonesia in the eyes of the world, that behind the beaches, mountains, and culture, there is great potential to unite entertainment, sports, and adventure in one unforgettable experience. (Antara)