Indonesian legislative efforts on regional service equity

Indonesian legislators are debating various bills aimed at addressing service disparities and regional development challenges.

In late August, the House of Representatives (DPR RI) Legislation Body discussed the Drinking Water and Sanitation Bill (RUU PAMS). Legislators emphasized the need to integrate water resource management with national sanitation standards, specifically prioritizing infrastructure in remote, poor, and frontier regions. Discussions also touched upon the role of Regional Water Utility Companies (PDAM) and the need for tariff policies that balance investor interests with public access and water quality.

By September, the Regional House of Representatives (DPD RI) shifted focus toward the Archipelagic Region Bill (RUU Daerah Kepulauan). This legislation seeks to address geographic challenges in island communities, such as high service costs and limited transportation. Proposed measures include affirmative policies for education and health, such as specialized vocational training for local residents. Additionally, regional authorities in West Nusa Tenggara have advocated for delegating small island management permits to local governments to improve investment certainty and coordination.