Securing Natuna's Economic Future at Selat Lampa Port

Natuna Regency in the Riau Islands Province is known as one of Indonesia’s border regions rich in marine and fisheries resources. The Natuna Sea has abundant fish potential and falls under Fishery Management Zone (WPP) 711 with a sustainable potential of 1.3 million tonnes annually.

Its strategic location along international trade routes presents Natuna with significant potential to become a maritime economic hub in northern Indonesia. However, for years, these natural resources have not fully translated into improved community welfare or increased regional export values.

A primary cause is the lack of sufficient international access points to send Natuna’s agricultural and marine products directly overseas.

Currently, many Natuna products are first shipped to other regions before export, resulting in the region’s brand identity being overlooked and the economic value that should benefit the local area being diminished.

Recognising this, the Natuna Regency Government has taken action. Despite the constraints and challenges of being a border region, local authorities are implementing major steps to strengthen the blue economy and establish direct international trade access from Natuna.

A key strategic move is proposing Selat Lampa Port in Pulau Tiga District as an international import-export port. The port is not only intended for fishing activities but also to serve as a trade gateway for Natuna’s key local commodities.

The proposal has received positive responses from Indonesia’s Ministry of Transportation. In the first week of July 2025, the Directorate General of Sea Transportation under the Ministry officially issued Letter No. AL.301/II/14/DP-25 designating Selat Lampa Port as an international port.

The designation is well-founded. Selat Lampa Port meets the criteria with sufficient depth to accommodate vessels up to 1,000 gross tonnage. Additionally, its strategic location in the Indonesian Archipelagic Sea Lane I (ALKI I), a key international trade route, enhances its potential.