Mataram, city in central Indonesia, on the western coast of the island of Lombok, in the center of the Malay Archipelago. A part of West Nusatengarra province, Mataram is the capital and main city of Lombok. It includes the port town of Ampenan, the towns of Mataram and Cakranegara, and the settlement of Sweta. Cakranegara is Mataram's commercial center, while Ampenan is the site of Mataram University (founded in 1962). As a center of government administration, Mataram has many large, impressive public buildings and substantial houses. The city also has transportation and shopping facilities. The main square is used for art exhibitions, theater, dance, and wayang kulit (puppet theater) performances. In other parts of Mataram, there are a variety of old-style markets and neighborhoods featuring traditional craftwork like basketware and gold- and silver-threaded sarongs, or wraparound garments. The port of Ampenan was once Lombok's main port, but it now relies mostly on fishing vessels and exports of cattle to Java. Cakranegara has significant Balinese and Chinese populations, the Chinese having been brought by the Dutch to provide cheap labor. Population (1997) 314,721.
