DPD RI advocates for Archipelagic Region Bill to address service disparities

The Regional House of Representatives (DPD RI) is advocating for the Archipelagic Region Bill (RUU Daerah Kepulauan) to address disparities in essential services for island communities. Andi Sofyan Hasdam, head of the bill's working team, stated that uniform development approaches fail to account for geographic challenges such as inter-island distances, limited transportation, and high costs for basic services.

A key focus of the bill is affirmative policy to improve education and health access. The DPD RI proposes specialized vocational training for local residents, such as nursing diplomas, to ensure healthcare workers are trained within their own communities and are more likely to remain in their home regions.

In support of these legislative efforts, the West Nusa Tenggara (NTB) provincial government has proposed delegating small island management permits to regional authorities. Muslim, Head of the NTB Marine and Fisheries Office, argued that transferring licensing authority would provide investment certainty and accelerate development in areas like Gili Trawangan and Moyo Island. NTB also suggested establishing a small island management authority to improve coordination and prevent overlapping jurisdictions between central and regional governments.