By: Adhi Kurnia)*
The government’s responsive steps in handling the problems that hit Enggano Island show a new style of leadership from President Prabowo Subianto. The alertness across ministries, the DPR, BUMN, and the local government is the key to successfully getting out of the isolation crisis that hit the outermost island.
Enggano Island, located about 90 nautical miles from Bengkulu City in the middle of the Indian Ocean, has been isolated for the past four months due to the shallowing of the Pulau Baai Harbor shipping lane. This situation not only hampers economic and logistical activities, but also limits the mobility of residents in accessing basic needs and government services.
The government did not wait long to act. President Prabowo Subianto immediately responded to public complaints by issuing Presidential Instruction Number 12 of 2025 concerning efforts to accelerate the handling of port flows, transportation, and development on Enggano Island.
Minister of State Secretary Prasetyo Hadi described this step as the embodiment of a new style of government that is responsive, collaborative, and solution-oriented. The government, according to him, does not work alone, but rather embraces the DPR, local governments, and BUMN so that the problems in Enggano can be handled comprehensively. This collaboration is an ideal model for solving community problems, especially in remote areas that often escape the spotlight.
Cross-institutional communication went smoothly. The central government quickly captured the aspirations of the people, then channeled them through formal and informal channels to the DPR. Prasetyo said that he personally had intense communication with the DPR leadership, which he said was very open and responsive. The effectiveness of this political communication has proven to be able to accelerate the birth of concrete policies and touch the root of the problem.
The Indonesian House of Representatives also took further steps. Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives Sufmi Dasco Ahmad stated that his party directly monitored the progress of handling the shallowing of the port, including ensuring Pelindo’s active role in dredging the shipping lane. Dasco also emphasized the importance of cooperation between Pelni and ASDP in ensuring smooth sea access for the community. He revealed that the House of Representatives had even prepared a study team to seek further breakthroughs to support the sustainable development of Enggano Island.
Bengkulu Governor Helmi Hasan did not remain silent. In response to the issuance of the Presidential Instruction, the Bengkulu Provincial Government immediately formed a Coordination Team for Handling Certain Conditions on Enggano Island and the Baai Island Channel. This team has an important task in synchronizing policies across regional apparatuses and vertical agencies. They are not only tasked with overseeing implementation in the field, but also providing strategic recommendations to the governor. Interestingly, this team is also strengthened by the involvement of experts, academics, and professionals as a form of government openness to input from various elements.
These steps show that the government is not just issuing policies from behind a desk, but is present in the midst of problems with real solutions. The physical and administrative presence of the state in the outermost regions such as Enggano is a concrete form of commitment to maintaining sovereignty, development justice, and equality of public services. It is not an exaggeration if the public considers that Prabowo’s governance style has brought new hope in the state’s response pattern to crises in the regions.
This is not the only example of President Prabowo’s quick response. Previously, he also canceled the 3-kilogram LPG policy that caused public unrest, and gave an increase in allowances for teachers and judges. Even in the issue of the four islands disputed between Aceh and North Sumatra, the President showed a firm and wise attitude, proving that strong leadership does not have to be colored by authoritarianism, but by sensitivity and siding with the people.
Especially for Enggano Island, the government’s attention is an important symbol that Indonesia’s development should not stop in big cities alone. Equal development is the right of every citizen, including those who live on remote islands far from the center of power. With the issuance of the Presidential Instruction and the mobilization of all levels of government, the people of Enggano can now hope again for safe transportation routes, smooth logistics services, and equitable development.
Moreover, the efforts to handle Enggano show that the state is no longer slow in reading urgency. This new era of government makes rapid response and cross-agency coordination its main strength. In the case of Enggano, the President not only listened, but also acted. The DPR not only supervised, but also got involved directly. The local government not only welcomed, but also took the initiative.
This measured and integrated step deserves to be appreciated as proof that the state is present, not just in the form of regulations, but also in actions that side with the people. Now, after the communication channels and policy instructions have been running, the challenge is to ensure that implementation in the field remains consistent, transparent, and monitored.
With the spirit of mutual cooperation that is the hallmark of this nation, the community is invited to work together to support the government’s efforts in dealing with problems on Enggano Island and other outermost areas. Acceleration of development and inclusive public services can only be realized if the state and the people work together.
)* The author is a contributor to the Lingkar Khatulistiwa Institute
