Entering a Strategic Momentum, DPD RI Absorbs North Sulawesi's Aspirations for the Archipelagic Regions Bill

28 August 2026 oleh admin

Manado, dpd.go.id — The DPD RI is optimistic that the Bill (RUU) on Archipelagic Regions will soon enter substantive discussions. This optimism grew stronger following the issuance of a Presidential Letter and support from all party factions in the DPR RI.

This was conveyed by the Chairperson of Committee I of the DPD RI and Leader of the Archipelagic Regions Bill Working Team, Dr. dr. Andy Sofyan Hasdam, Sp.N., during a working visit by the Special Committee on the Archipelagic Regions Bill to North Sulawesi on Friday (August 28, 2026). The visit was held to gather direct input from regional governments and key stakeholders.

Andy noted that the issuance of Presidential Letter No. 1 of 2026 on January 12, 2026, serves as a cornerstone to advance the bill's deliberation. The government has also assigned several ministries and agencies to participate. However, he emphasized that this bill must not stop at merely recognizing the characteristics of archipelagic regions; it must address real community challenges, ranging from high development and public service costs to inter-island connectivity, infrastructure gaps, and access to education and healthcare.

"Indonesia is an archipelagic nation. However, regions with archipelagic characteristics still face challenges that cannot be fully resolved using the same policy approaches applied to mainland areas," Andy said.

One major issue under scrutiny is funding. Andy stated that fiscal policy needs to factor in the geographical realities of archipelagic areas so that development costs and public services are distributed more equitably.

"We do not want the recognition of archipelagic regions to stop at abstract norms. There must be actionable policies that the public can actually feel. Crucially, the state must account for geographical costs and the funding needs of archipelagic regions in a fairer manner," he asserted.

Similar input was voiced by the North Sulawesi Provincial Government. With maritime territory vastly outsizing its land area and encompassing hundreds of islands, North Sulawesi faces significantly higher development and public service costs. The provincial government called for strengthened inter-island connectivity, pioneer sea and air transportation, ports, electricity, telecommunications, healthcare, education, and the maritime economy.

Furthermore, the North Sulawesi Government pushed for fiscal affirmative action and funding mechanisms tailored to archipelagic geography, including the concept of a Special Archipelagic Fund. Andy noted that these insights will be vital for refining the bill's substance.

"Our presence in North Sulawesi is not merely to share updates on the bill's progress. Above all, it is to listen directly to regional needs. The DPD RI is committed to ensuring that regional voices are integrated into the deliberations," Andy stated.

The next phase of the legislative process will focus on the submission of the Problem Inventory List (DIM). All DPR RI factions are scheduled to submit their DIMs on September 7, 2026, while the Government is also expected to submit its version for joint deliberation and harmonization among the DPR RI, the Government, and the DPD RI.

The DPD RI reaffirmed its commitment to overseeing the Archipelagic Regions Bill until it yields a regulation capable of resolving the hardships of island communities, specifically regarding funding, connectivity, basic services, marine resource management, the maritime economy, and the development of outermost islands and border areas.