Billy Bagus
Jul 09, 2025
A bold new chapter in Indonesia’s tourism and real estate development is unfolding on the southern coast of Lombok, West Nusa Tenggara (NTB), where an ambitious smart city project is poised to transform the quiet shoreline of Dusun Pengantap into a world-class destination. Dubbed “Marina Bay City,” this futuristic township—valued at over USD 6 billion or approximately IDR 90 trillion—is being touted as Southeast Asia’s answer to Dubai, infused with Bali’s signature tropical charm.
Dubbed “Marina Bay City,” this futuristic township is being touted as Southeast Asia’s answer to Dubai, infused with Bali’s signature tropical charm.
A Mega Smart City Vision for the Tropics
Marina Bay City will span over 150 acres (approximately 60 hectares) of master-planned coastal land in Sekotong, West Lombok, neighboring the booming Mandalika Special Economic Zone. Envisioned by Australian developers Jamie McIntyre and Adrian Campbell under the Marina Bay Group and Kinnara Property, the smart city is being designed for high-net-worth individuals, digital nomads, and global investors seeking a new hub for luxury, innovation, and lifestyle.
With its motto “Next Dubai meets Bali,” the development aims to fuse the technological sophistication and grandeur of cities like Dubai with the serene natural beauty and cultural richness that Indonesia is known for.
What to Expect from Marina Bay City
Marina Bay City is envisioned as an integrated smart city combining residential, commercial, healthcare, and leisure zones, all seamlessly connected through future-forward infrastructure and sustainable urban planning. The development will offer a wide range of luxury living options, including high-rise apartments, gated communities, and canal-front villas, designed to attract both long-term residents and short-term visitors. Complementing the residential offering are world-class resorts, a private hospital, wellness centers, and exclusive beach clubs—catering to the growing demand for health-focused tourism and high-end hospitality.
In addition, the city will feature tech-enabled co-working hubs, digital-ready environments, and education precincts to support digital nomads, startups, and expatriate families. With an emphasis on green living, Marina Bay City will incorporate renewable energy systems, eco-conscious materials, and intelligent urban infrastructure to ensure long-term sustainability. The development will also include an upscale marina for private yachts and a lifestyle precinct filled with boutique retail, cafes, and entertainment venues—rounding out its vision as a modern, self-contained coastal metropolis.
Lombok's Rising Global Appeal
The decision to base the Marina Bay City in Lombok is no coincidence. Over the past few years, the island has emerged as a quieter, more pristine alternative to Bali, offering white sand beaches, dramatic coastlines, and relatively untapped tourism potential. Located near major attractions such as the Mandalika MotoGP Circuit and Selong Belanak Beach, the project site is well-positioned to benefit from regional infrastructure upgrades.
As part of Indonesia’s “super-priority” tourism destinations, Lombok has been the focus of multi-trillion rupiah investments from state-owned enterprises like ITDC, which have spearheaded similar luxury developments in Bali’s Nusa Dua.
Investment and Development Landscape
While the project has created excitement on the ground—with signage already installed in the area—local government authorities in Lombok Barat have confirmed that no formal construction permits or environmental licenses have yet been issued at the district level. However, given the scale of the investment and its classification as a foreign direct investment, much of the regulatory processing is currently assumed to be handled by the central government in Jakarta.
Local officials, including the Bupati of Lombok Barat, have expressed strong support for the initiative and indicated their willingness to facilitate the permitting process once investor engagement reaches the regional level.
A City of the Future on Indonesia’s Horizon
Marina Bay City represents not just another luxury development but a strategic step in diversifying Indonesia’s tourism and economic landscape. With features geared toward a post-pandemic global lifestyle—where safety, freedom, digital connectivity, and wellness top the list of priorities—the smart city could attract a wave of new residents, investors, and global talent to the island.
If executed according to plan, Marina Bay City may well become the new crown jewel of Indonesia’s coastal development—setting a benchmark for future urban projects across Southeast Asia. As construction timelines firm up and formalities are cleared, all eyes will be on this bold vision rising from the shores of southern Lombok.