Receiving GMKI Audience, DPD RI Reaffirms Commitment to Strengthening Archipelagic Region Bill

13 August 2026 oleh admin

Jakarta, dpd.go.id - The House of Regional Representatives of the Republic of Indonesia (DPD RI) reaffirmed its commitment to championing the rights and welfare of coastal communities and small islands through the Bill (RUU) on Archipelagic Regions. This commitment was conveyed during a courtesy meeting with the Indonesian Christian Student Movement (Gerakan Mahasiswa Kristen Indonesia / GMKI) at the Parliamentary Complex, Senayan, Jakarta, on Wednesday (12/8/2026).

Vice Chairperson of the Working Team (Timja) for the Archipelagic Region Bill representing North Maluku, Graal Taliawo, emphasized that this bill is vital for shifting the perspective on Indonesia’s development as an archipelagic nation. According to him, development must not focus solely on resource exploitation, but must also guarantee fair rights, protection, and benefits for coastal populations.

“When we talk about archipelagic regions, we cannot look at the land alone. Maritime space must also be part of development. The potential of every island must be recognized and directed for the benefit of the community, including through the development of a blue economy,” Graal said.

During the meeting, Emeralda, a representative from GMKI Ambon, highlighted various issues faced by coastal communities, particularly local fishermen and customary law (adat) communities. She expressed hope that the Archipelagic Region Bill would provide clearer guarantees so that development and resource utilization do not marginalize the rights of local residents.

“We expect concrete guarantees from the Archipelagic Region Bill for local fishermen and coastal customary communities. The local government's stance should not lead to development or marine resource exploitation that overrides the rights of local people,” Emeralda stated.

In response, Graal noted that the protection of customary communities is already part of the core substance of the Archipelagic Region Bill proposed by the DPD RI. He added that input from the public, including university students, is essential to ensure that the regulation genuinely addresses real regional challenges.

“This bill must serve the people. We cannot allow immense marine potential to bypass those who live along the coasts. We want development to move forward, but the communities must also be protected and prosperous,” Graal emphasized.

Through this meeting, the DPD RI hopes that GMKI’s perspectives will contribute to public advocacy surrounding the deliberation of the Archipelagic Region Bill, while strengthening its regulatory substance to effectively meet the needs of those living in coastal areas and small islands.