DPD RI: Archipelagic Regions Bill to Accommodate Regional Aspirations

The Regional Representative Council (DPD) has ensured that the aspirations of archipelagic regions are a key part of the formulation of the Archipelagic Regions Bill. Andi Sofyan Hasdam, Chair of the DPD RI Archipelagic Regions Bill Working Team, stated that the main substances being formulated include fiscal justice, strengthening regional authority, and management of coastal areas and small islands, as well as accelerating equitable development. These points were reinforced during a working visit by the DPR RI Special Committee and the DPD RI Working Team to the Batam City Government in the Riau Islands. Hasdam emphasised that the DPD is advocating for special arrangements for archipelagic regions, hoping that development policies will no longer be uniform with those of mainland areas. He noted that the policy should also consider fiscal balance, as the current national fiscal policy does not yet account for the characteristics of maritime areas as part of the regional development burden. The bill has reportedly received agreement from eight factions in the DPR, and the government has not expressed any fundamental objections. Meanwhile, during a meeting in Ambon, Maluku, DPD Working Team Deputy Chair Graal Taliawo stated that the special regulation for archipelagic regions has been fought for since 2017 and is now entering a crucial legislative stage. Maluku Governor Hendrik Lewerissa expressed hope that the bill would deliver fairer policies that truly address the needs of archipelagic communities, who face different challenges compared to mainland regions, including connectivity, transportation costs, and public service delivery across numerous islands.