Mataram –
Then Muhamad Iqbal was officially appointed as Governor of West Nusa Tenggara (NTB) by President Prabowo Subianto at the State Palace, Thursday (2/20/2025). Iqbal is a figure who pursued a brilliant career as a professional diplomat who now chose to return home to lead the earth of Gora.
Family and background Iqbal
Iqbal is a native son born in Praya Subdistrict, Central Lombok, NTB, on July 10, 1972. Iqbal was raised in a family that upholds religious and educational values.
Iqbal’s father, then Ma’ruf Misbah, was a respected teacher (religious figure) in Central Lombok. While her mother, Alimah, is a career woman in agriculture. The influence of his parents formed the character of Iqbal into a religious, highly disciplined person, and cared about community development.
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Iqbal has a wife named Sinta Agathia Soedjoko. They have two children.
IQBAL EDUCATION HISTORY
Iqbal’s formal education began in his birthplace until the junior high school level (SMP). He then migrated to the island of Java at the age of 14 to study at the Islamic Boarding School (Ponpes) Modern Islam Assalaam, Surakarta, Central Java (Central Java), and graduated in 1991.
Graduating from Ponpes, Iqbal then continued his high education at the University of Muhammadiyah Yogyakarta (UMY) by majoring in International Relations and Gadjah Mada University (UGM) with the Department of History.
His persistence in studying Iqbal won the Masters in the field of International Relations from the University of Indonesia (UI) in 2002. Not stopping there, in 2005, Iqbal won the Doctorate of Philosophy or Doctor of Philosophy (Philosophy) in the field of political science from Bucharest University , Romania.
In addition to formal education, Iqbal also participated in various non-degree study programs at Hiroshima University, Japan, and UN University in Tokyo.
Iqbal’s career in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Iqbal began his career as a Civil Servant (PNS) in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Ministry of Foreign Affairs) in 1998. Since then, he has shown high dedication and professionalism so that it is trusted to occupy various strategic positions, both at home and abroad.
Here are some of the important positions that Iqbal once carried out.
- Consular Secretary at the Indonesian Embassy (KBRI) Bucharest, Romania (2001-2005)
- Head of the Cross -State Organized Crimes Section at the Directorate of International Security and Weapons
- Counselor at the Indonesian Embassy/Prita Vienna, Austria (2008-2012)
- Head of Subdit at the Directorate of Protection of Indonesian Citizens and BHI (2012-2014)
- Director of Protection of Indonesian Citizens and BHI (2015-2018)
- Indonesian Ambassador (Ambassador) in Türkiye (2019-2023)
- Sherpa Indonesia for Nuclear Security Summit
- Foreign Ministry Spokesman
- Special Staff of Foreign Minister for Diplomacy Infrastructure
- Chairperson of the Indonesian Diplomat Association (ADI)
Iqbal’s track record in the protection of Indonesian citizens
One of the peaks of Iqbal’s career in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs was when he served as Director of Protection of Indonesian Citizens and BHI. He is known as a responsive and brave figure in taking action to protect Indonesian citizens who face problems abroad.
Some important cases that were successfully handled, among others.
- Evacuation of Indonesian citizens from Nepal and Yemen (2015)
- Liberation of Indonesian citizens held hostage in the Philippines (2016-2018)
Iqbal’s trip in Pilgub NTB 2024
After active for more than two decades as a diplomat, Iqbal decided to return to his hometown and devote himself to building NTB. He advanced as a candidate in the NTB 2024 Governor Election in pairs with Indah Damayanti Putri (Dinda).
Iqbal received support from a large coalition consisting of 10 political parties, namely the Gerindra Party, the Golkar Party, PPP, PAN, PBB, Hanura Party, the Indonesian Gelora Party, PSI, Garuda Party, and Prima Party. He carries a sustainable vision of “NTB Gemilang,” with a focus on improving the quality of human resources, inclusive economic development, and environmental preservation.
Hard work and community support led Iqbal-Dinda to win the NTB 2024 Pilgub. NTB KPU officially set them as Governor and Deputy Governor of NTB elected 2025-2030 period.
Iqbal wealth
Based on the State Organizer’s Assets Report (LHKPN) reported to the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK), Iqbal last reported his assets on December 31, 2023 with a total value of Rp 9.87 billion. His wealth consists of land and buildings, motorized vehicles, securities, cash and cash equivalents, as well as other movable assets.
The election of Iqbal as Governor of NTB brought new hopes to the community. The experience of Iqbal as a diplomat is expected to be able to bring NTB to sustainable progress and prosperity. The NTB community is waiting for the breakthrough and innovation of Iqbal’s leadership to realize ‘Sustainable NTB Gemilang’.
(IWS/IWS)
