Jakarta — President Prabowo Subianto has officially issued a Presidential Instruction (Inpres) aimed at accelerating the resolution of issues on Enggano Island, Bengkulu. This decision reflects the government’s commitment to strengthening development in Indonesia’s outermost and frontier regions, which have long faced infrastructure and accessibility challenges.
Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives (DPR RI), Sufmi Dasco Ahmad, stated that the issuance of the Inpres was the result of intensive coordination between the legislative body and related ministries.
“We held coordination meetings with the relevant ministries, and after aligning the division of responsibilities to resolve the issues quickly, the Inpres was signed by President Prabowo,” said Dasco in Jakarta.
He emphasized the importance of direct involvement from the central government to ensure that the problems in Enggano are swiftly addressed.
“That’s why quick action is necessary, and central government intervention is needed,” he added.
President Prabowo’s move was also welcomed by Speaker of the DPR, Puan Maharani. She stressed the importance of a comprehensive evaluation of the governance of islands across Indonesia. According to her, the situation on Enggano Island should serve as a turning point for improving island administration.
“We have asked the government and coordinated to evaluate and reorganize the governance and administration of islands in Indonesia. We must avoid any mismanagement of the country’s islands,” said Puan.
Furthermore, Puan emphasized that the DPR, through its relevant commissions, will oversee the reform process. She also reminded of the importance of early mitigation measures to prevent similar issues in other island regions.
The issuance of the Inpres was also positively received by local communities. Fahmi Arisandi, Chair of the Bengkulu Regional Indigenous Peoples’ Alliance of the Archipelago (AMAN), expressed gratitude and optimism toward the central government’s attention.
“Thanks to Ms. Rieke Diah Pitaloka from Commission VI of the DPR for coming to Bengkulu and facilitating communication with Deputy Speaker Sufmi Dasco Ahmad. This is extraordinary. The prayers of the entire Enggano community have finally been answered,” Fahmi said.
He added that the people of Enggano are now looking forward with hope to the concrete steps that will follow the issuance of the Inpres.
“There are many paths forward, and there will be many others who empathize with us. We believe in that. Now, we just await the next steps,” he stated.
The issuance of this Presidential Instruction marks a new chapter in the government’s efforts to promote equitable development throughout Indonesia, including in remote areas like Enggano Island. President Prabowo appears committed to ensuring that no island is left behind, in line with the government’s vision to strengthen national connectivity and regional resilience.
With cross-sector support from the DPR, local communities, and central and regional governments, the hope for accelerated development and the resolution of Enggano’s isolation is becoming increasingly tangible.
Enggano Island, one of Indonesia’s outermost islands, has recently experienced increasing isolation due to silting in its surrounding waters. As a result, logistics distribution and the mobility of its residents have been disrupted, weakening the local economy.
