Wakil Ketua MPR RI sekaligus Ketua Fraksi Partai Demokrat DPR RI, Edhie Baskoro Yudhoyono (Ibas), dalam kunjungan kerja MPR RI ke Natuna, Kepulauan Riau. (Foto: Istimewa/Gurindam.id)
NATUNA — Deputy Speaker of the People’s Consultative Assembly (MPR) and chair of the Democratic Party faction in the House, Edhie Baskoro Yudhoyono (Ibas), has stressed that developing Natuna as a border region cannot rely on a defense and security approach alone. Strengthening the economy, fishers’ welfare, food, connectivity, and infrastructure must also be a national priority.
Ibas made the remarks during an MPR working visit to the Natuna Regent’s Office in the Riau Islands. He highlighted Natuna’s strategic importance to Indonesia, both geopolitically and in terms of economic potential.
“We should not only look at Natuna in terms of defense and security. We must also ensure that the economy, welfare, development, and equity continue to be pursued sustainably.”
Edhie Baskoro Yudhoyono (Ibas), Deputy Speaker of the MPR
A Call for Presidential Intervention
As an archipelagic border region, Natuna faces challenges unlike those elsewhere. Ibas therefore called for synergy among the central government, regional governments, the House, the MPR, and all stakeholders.
“This needs national intervention, presidential intervention. The relevant ministers also need to consolidate with the provincial and regional governments,” Ibas said.
A Fisheries Industry for Local Fishers
Fisheries were a key focus. Natuna has vast marine potential, but fishers still face challenges from weather, operating costs, limited facilities, and underdeveloped processing of their catch.
Ibas urged an integrated fisheries industry to add value and build economic self-reliance. “With such vast fishing waters, this potential should be consolidated with the Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries. Let’s build an integrated fisheries industry here so there is long-term self-reliance,” he said. A local fisheries industry could also reduce dependence on supplies from outside the region, which drive up logistics costs and prices.
Food Prices and Airfares
Ibas also highlighted high prices of basic goods caused by geography, transport costs, and fuel prices. He urged stronger affordable-market programs and supply support from the state logistics agency Bulog when residents face pressure from weather or distribution disruptions.
On connectivity, he proposed that the government study airfare subsidies specifically for border regions. “What if we push for special airfare subsidies for border areas? This could also ease the burden on people coming here,” he said, while stressing the need for sound business calculations so routes remain sustainable.
Energy, Marine Tourism, and Revenue Sharing
Beyond fisheries, Natuna has major potential in oil and gas and in marine tourism. Ibas called for oil and gas investment to be overseen so it benefits the region, while tourism should be developed alongside community capacity building and local creative industries. “Natuna has outstanding marine potential. Let’s bring marine tourism to life so the community’s creative economy grows too,” he said.
On the regency’s limited fiscal capacity, Ibas hopes revenue-sharing funds (Dana Bagi Hasil) will genuinely flow back to the regency through quality programs. “This does not mean Natuna is being treated as a stepchild,” he stressed.
Guarding Natuna, Guarding the Nation
Ibas affirmed that safeguarding Natuna is part of safeguarding the unity of the Republic of Indonesia. A secure border region, he said, must also be home to self-reliant and prosperous communities.
“Out of sight, but close to heart. Even though we don’t come here every day, we keep thinking about how to safeguard the Indonesia we all love,” Ibas said. “We believe that, step by step, we will continue to develop Natuna.”
Summarized from Gurindam.id (in Indonesian).
