DPD: Archipelagic Regions Bill Strengthens Direction of Development Policy

The Indonesian Regional Representative Council (DPD) has stated that the Archipelagic Regions Bill will serve as an important foundation to ensure Indonesia’s development direction aligns with its identity as an archipelagic nation. The bill is intended to ensure that development is no longer viewed solely from a land-based perspective, but is structured by considering the geographical, social, economic, and maritime characteristics that are Indonesia’s main strengths. DPD Deputy Speaker GKR Hemas, who is also responsible for the Archipelagic Regions Bill Working Committee, said the recognition of Indonesia as an archipelagic state must be manifested in national development policies that favour the characteristics of archipelagic regions. ‘As an archipelagic nation, Indonesia needs development policies that reflect that identity. Recognition as an archipelagic state cannot stop as a constitutional or geographical concept, but must become the basis for formulating national development policies,’ Hemas said in a written statement. She added that the bill is a strategic step to provide continuity in the direction of national development. The regulation is expected to serve as a cross-sectoral reference, ensuring that every ministry, institution, and regional government shares the same perspective in developing archipelagic regions. Graal Taliawo, Deputy Chair of the Working Committee, added that the bill aims to synchronise various policies that have previously operated in isolation. He noted that development in archipelagic regions requires an approach that positions the sea as a living space, an economic space, and a connectivity space between regions. ‘This bill is presented to unite various policies that have been running independently. With a more comprehensive legal framework, the development of archipelagic regions can be designed in a more directed, measurable, and sustainable manner,’ said the Senator from North Maluku.