A Glance Of Mataram

Glance of Mataram City

Mataram City is the capital of West Nusa Tenggara Province, Indonesia, located on the western tip of Lombok Island. Please note that West Nusa Tenggara province has two large islands, namely Lombok and Sumbawa Islands. So that you do not ask again where Mataram is, once again I notice that Mataram City is located on Lombok Island.

Population

The population of Mataram city in mid-2024 was 459,683 people, with a population density of 7,500 people/km2.

Some literature states, Mataram comes from Sanskrit from the word mata which means mother and the word aram which means entertainment. Mataram also means offerings to the motherland. 

History

The word Mataram also comes from the word matta which means joy or passion and aram means entertainment. So that matta-aram or mataram means the construction of this kingdom or city is a symbol of a statement of joy as entertainment as well as a symbol of the excitement of life to build a land of hope that promises a brighter future.

Historically, Mataram is a combination of three main regions: Ampenan, Mataram, and Cakranegara. Ampenan was known as the main port during the colonial period, Mataram as the center of government, and Cakranegara as the center of trade influenced by Balinese culture.

So do not be surprised that in several places in the city of Mataram, you will find historical relics from the Hindu kingdom, which you can see in another article on this page. And here is The boundaries of Mataram City are as follows:

Geography

Mataram City has a regional topography at an altitude of less than 50 meters above sea level with an altitude range of 9 km, located at 08° 33' - 08° 38' South latitude and 116° 04' - 116° 10' East longitude. The geological structure of Mataram City is mostly clay and tuff deposits which are alluvial deposits originating from the activities of Mount Rinjani, visually it looks like a slab of broken stone, while underneath there is a layer of sand.

Government

Administratively, Mataram City has a land area of 61.30 km² and 56.80 km² of sea waters, divided into 6 sub-districts, namely Ampenan, Cakranegara, Mataram, Sandubaya, Selaparang and Sekarbela with 50 sub-districts and 297 neighborhoods.

Ethnicity

The Sasak tribe is the majority ethnic group of the residents of Mataram City, in addition to the Balinese, Chinese, Malays and Arabs. The harmony of inter-ethnic life in Mataram was disrupted by the outbreak of the Lombok Riots on January 17, 2000 which dragged the issue of religion and race as the cause of the riots.

Mataram is a multi-ethnic and religious city. The influence of Sasak and Balinese culture is strongly felt in this city. The diversity of the population of Mataram city according to the religion practiced.

Based on data from the Ministry of Home Affairs in 2024, namely 83.02% adherents of Islam, which is generally adhered to by the Sasak tribe. Then Hinduism is 13.72% embraced by the Balinese, then Christianity is 2.34% of which Protestantism is 1.54% and Catholicism is 0.80% which is generally embraced by residents from East Nusa Tenggara, Batak and Chinese. Another 0.92% of the population is Buddhist.

Transportation

To get to the city of Mataram, you can take the air route and land at Lombok International Airport, the airport is located in the Central Lombok region. Furthermore, it only takes approximately 1 hour to get to the city of Mataram.

For those of you who want to use land routes, you can also take a bus that will directly take you to Mandalika Terminal, which is in the Mataram City area.

Meanwhile, for those who want to visit the city of Mataram by sea, you will dock at Lembar Port (West Lombok) or if from Denpasar, you can also go through Senggigi Port. You have to travel for approximately 30-45 minutes to get to Mataram.

In addition, if crossing from Sumbawa Island, you will dock at Kayangan Port (East Lombok), where from here the distance traveled to get to the city of Mataram is about 3 to 4 hours drive.

Accommodation, Lodging, Entertainment and Restaurants

In the city of Mataram various facilities that include accommodation, lodging, entertainment venues and places to eat quite a lot.

Read also: List of cheap hotels and inns in Mataram City

For lodging, for example, there are a number of homestays with low prices for backpackers, and a number of hotels, ranging from Jasmine class hotels to Star Hotels. 

Then what about those who like shopping? Certainly, as the capital of NTB Province, various shopping facilities ranging from small shops, hawkers to malls are here. Don't worry.

Read also: Cheap and Expensive Shopping Places in Mataram City

Tourism 

For Religious tourism, the most famous is the Islamic Center or Hubbul Wathan Grand Mosque which is right in the heart of Mataram City.

Then cultural tourism here is also a blend of Lombok and Balinese culture and a touch of other ethnicities.

This then gave birth to a very interesting cultural collaboration, and there are several interesting places that are worth visiting related to this, including the Bintaro Chinese Cemetery, Mayura Park, Meru Temple, Segara Temple, West Nusa Tenggara State Museum, Loang Baloq, Ampenan Old Town, West Nusa Tenggara Provincial Cultural Park

Education

Educational facilities in the city of Mataram are very adequate, in this city there are several universities both public and private.

Various public and private universities, private educational institutes, and vocational education are available in Mataram City. Even International standard schools are already here.

Read also: List of Public and Private Universities in Mataram City

Health Facilities

For health facilities are also available. Even the largest hospital in NTB is here. List of Public and Private Hospitals in Mataram City.

Now that's a glimpse of the city of Mataram. For a variety of complete information about the city of Mataram, you can find in a number of other articles on this page.