Governor: Discussion of Archipelagic Region Bill Addresses Community Needs

Manado (ANTARA) - The Governor of North Sulawesi, Yulius Selvanus, hopes that the discussion of the Archipelagic Region Bill (RUU Daerah Kepulauan) can result in regulations that truly address the needs of communities in archipelagic regions.

“Our hope is that this regulation will ultimately provide justice for island communities. This is because developing islands presents different challenges and costs compared to developing mainland areas,” said Governor Yulius in Manado on Sunday.

The Governor emphasised that the development of archipelagic regions is not merely about increasing community welfare. Rather, the development of these regions holds a strategic dimension in strengthening the state’s presence, particularly on the outermost small islands and border areas.

Inter-island connectivity, ports, education, healthcare, electricity, telecommunications networks, marine tourism, creative economies, fisheries, conservation, and the digital economy must become integral parts of archipelagic regional development policies.

“When we develop communities on the outermost islands, we are also strengthening the presence of the state and safeguarding the sovereignty of the Republic of Indonesia,” the Governor stated.

Therefore, the North Sulawesi Provincial Government hopes that the Archipelagic Region Bill can provide a strong legal foundation for the recognition of the specificities of archipelagic regions. This includes fiscal affirmation, the strengthening of sea and air connectivity, the construction of basic infrastructure, the development of the maritime economy, the protection of small islands, and the strengthening of border areas.