BNPP Emphasises Importance of Managing Outermost Small Islands in Archipelago Region Bill
The National Border Management Agency (BNSK) of the Republic of Indonesia has emphasised the importance of managing Outermost Small Islands (PPKT) in national border areas by integrating security and sovereignty aspects with the fulfilment of basic needs and community welfare.
This view was presented during a Hearing (RDP) with the Special Committee (Pansus) for the Bill on Archipelago Regions of the Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR RI) at the Parliament Complex, Senayan, Jakarta, on Tuesday (1/9/2026).
BNPP Secretary Makhruzi Rahman, representing the Minister of Home Affairs as the Head of BNPP RI, stated that these outermost small islands are part of Indonesia’s national strategic interests, meaning their management must consider regional characteristics, population conditions, and development needs for each island.
“Outermost Small Islands are part of national strategic interests. Their management needs to consider aspects of national security and sovereignty, as well as the fulfilment of basic needs and community welfare,” Makhruzi said in a written statement on Wednesday (2/9/2026).
In its management approach, the BNPP differentiates the characteristics of these islands based on their population status. For uninhabited islands, priority is directed towards maintaining sovereignty and territorial integrity.
In contrast, inhabited islands require an approach that integrates security, welfare, and sustainability through the provision of basic services and the development of community activities.
For uninhabited islands, security needs can be met through the presence of Outermost Island Security Task Force (PAMPUTER) posts, Indonesian Navy or Marine posts, security and weather observation stations, navigation and lighthouse keepers, as well as conservation and environmental officers.
Beyond security, the physical protection of these territories is also a key part of management needs, particularly to face abrasion and changing environmental conditions. These needs include infrastructure to support non-military defence and security, such as abrasion embankments and revetments, as well as support for border patrols.
Meanwhile, inhabited islands face several issues that require attention, including limited access to education, healthcare, transportation, and economic opportunities.
“These conditions have the potential to drive the migration of the productive-age population to mainland islands to seek access to basic services and economic opportunities,” he concluded.