Local Demographics in Lombok

Good to Know

• Lombok's population has grown significantly: 3.76 million (2020 census) to 4.06 million (2024 estimate), reflecting both natural growth and migration.
• The Sasak people are the cultural foundation of Lombok; most are Muslim but practice a syncretic blend that incorporates older animist and Hindu-Buddhist traditions.
• Foreign expat concentration is highest in Kuta and Senggigi; Kuta is rapidly emerging as a digital nomad destination, attracting many from Australia and Europe who seek lower costs than Bali.
• The digital nomad community is organized but still smaller and less established than Bali's; networking opportunities exist through coworking spaces and informal meetups.
• Australians form the largest single expat nationality, followed by a growing Spanish community; US and UK expats are also present.
• Many foreign residents operate businesses locally (tourism, real estate, cafes, online services) rather than purely remote work; this requires proper visa and business licensing compliance.
• Infrastructure for remote work is improving: multiple coworking spaces exist, internet reliability is increasing, but remains less mature than Bali in some areas.