Muhdi: Archipelagic Regions Bill Must Address Basic Services Disparity

17 September 2026 oleh admin

Jakarta, dpd.go.id — Disparities in access to education, healthcare, and basic services remain a persistent issue across several archipelagic regions. Geographical conditions and high transportation costs to reach remote islands require an approach to basic services that differs significantly from mainland areas.

The House of Regional Representatives of the Republic of Indonesia (DPD RI) member Muhdi emphasized that these challenges must be addressed through specific provisions in the Archepelagic Regions Bill (RUU Daerah Kepulauan).

Muhdi, who also serves as a member of the Archipelagic Regions Bill Working Team (Timja), stated that deliberations on the bill must focus on narrowing service gaps and enhancing social welfare.

"Regarding the gap in basic services, everything we are discussing for this bill comes down to the most fundamental issue: how island communities can access basic services and achieve well-being," Muhdi said during a Public Hearing at the Parliament Complex in Senayan, Jakarta, on Wednesday (Sept 16, 2026).

He asserted that island regions cannot be treated the same as mainland areas. Limited accessibility and inflated costs mean that providing healthcare and education requires policies tailored to each region's specific conditions.

"The core problem is: how can a teacher or healthcare worker in these areas be expected to serve under the exact same rules? There is no way our education and healthcare outcomes can match mainland standards under those conditions. The key is making this bill function as a lex specialis across multiple sectors, including basic services like education and healthcare. While the impact may not be felt instantly, the long-term benefit will be immense," he stressed.

A similar view was raised by economist and lecturer at the Faculty of Economics and Business, Trisakti University, Rinaldi Rustam. He noted that the allocation of Special Island Funds (Dana Khusus Kepulauan or DKK) requires close attention in the draft legislation, particularly to support basic island services.

According to Rinaldi, the DKK could be directed toward facilities and incentive packages for healthcare workers and teachers, sea ambulances, upgrading community health centers (Puskesmas) into Type-D hospitals, as well as dormitories and scholarships for students in island regions.

"Beyond basic services and decent housing for healthcare workers, teachers, and fishermen, the DKK is essential for funding priority marine economy sectors such as capture fisheries and aquaculture. Furthermore, ocean governance provisions must strengthen local subsidiarity without shifting energy resource management authority back to the central government, while adhering strictly to green economy principles to prevent environmental exploitation," Rinaldi explained.

These discussions highlight that the challenges facing island regions go beyond mere budget allocations, they require tailored policies that take into account geographic characteristics, limited accessibility, high service costs, and the specific needs of island communities.