By: Dian Hartanto)*
Enggano Island, located in the middle of the Indian Ocean, about 90 nautical miles from Bengkulu City, had faced serious isolation due to the shallowing of the shipping lane at Pulau Baai Port. The impact was not light: logistics distribution was hampered, community mobility was disrupted, and access to basic services was limited. The rapid and coordinated response from the current government shows a real change in how the country responds to emergency conditions in the outermost regions. Without much rhetoric, concrete steps were taken immediately.
The issuance of Presidential Instruction Number 12 of 2025 is an important momentum. This policy not only marks the strong political intention of the central government, but also ignites synergy between related agencies, both at the central and regional levels. In a short time, various institutions intervened simultaneously: Pelindo activated dredging of the port channel, Pelni and ASDP adjusted the pattern of sea services, while the regional government prepared operational steps.
Minister of State Secretary, Prasetyo Hadi assessed that the current government’s work pattern is moving with the principles of collaboration and speed. According to him, there is no room for a bureaucracy that is slow in responding to people’s problems, especially those concerning the outermost regions. The government is also considered to be alert in building efficient communication with the Indonesian House of Representatives, opening cross-sector coordination channels that are more responsive than before.
Not stopping at central policies, tactical steps were also taken at the parliamentary level. Deputy Speaker of the DPR, Sufmi Dasco Ahmad stated that the involvement of the legislature in this issue was not merely as a supervisory function, but also as an active working partner in ensuring that the acceleration process runs optimally. In fact, the DPR also initiated a long-term development study team for Enggano Island as a form of serious attention to the development of the border area.
Positive reactions also emerged from the local government. The Governor of Bengkulu, Helmi Hasan quickly formed a Coordination Team for Handling Certain Conditions of Enggano Island and the Baai Island Channel. This team is equipped with academics and professionals to strengthen the quality of technical and strategic recommendations needed to support the implementation of the Presidential Instruction at the regional level. The involvement of non-governmental elements shows that the collaborative approach is carried out in a real and measurable manner.
This crisis response model is very important to replicate. Not a few remote areas often face serious challenges. Now, through the handling of Enggano Island, the development approach targets outer areas in a more focused and equitable manner. Enggano Island can be a turning point in the paradigm of development of outermost areas that for years have been marginalized by the focus on mainland development. When the state is present not only through rhetoric, but through real action, public trust grows.
In a broader context, this responsive governance style shows President Prabowo’s consistency in building responsive and solution-based leadership governance. President Prabowo’s responsive leadership style is also reflected in policies that are in line with public aspirations, including attention to energy distribution and improving the welfare of strategic professions. This shows the leader’s sensitivity to aspirations and pressures at the grassroots level.
Equitable development cannot only be assessed from national economic growth figures. It must be felt in all corners of the country, even on islands that have been neglected. What was done in Enggano was not just responding to the crisis, but paving the way for a more inclusive and participatory development approach. An approach that takes sides without waiting for pressure, and moves before protests emerge.
The frontier, remote, and underdeveloped (3T) regions require special attention. Infrastructure, transportation, and public service development must be directed to reduce the structural inequality that has been holding them back. In this case, cross-sector commitments as seen in the Enggano case need to be used as operational standards in responding to regions with urgent needs.
The handling of Enggano indicates that this government is able to make the crisis a momentum to improve the system. Efficient coordination and the involvement of various strategic actors make public policies increasingly have a direct impact and answer the needs of the community. This forms a new pattern in state administration: not only reactive to problems, but also proactive in maintaining the integrity of the national territory.
The steps that have been taken now need to be maintained consistently. Regular evaluation and transparent reporting are key to ensuring that the impact of policies is truly felt by the community. The involvement of local communities should not be ignored. They are the subjects, not just objects of development.
Handling the isolation of areas such as Enggano Island requires synergy, alertness, and empathy. All three have been solidly demonstrated by the central government, the DPR, BUMN, and local governments. In many ways, this is a concrete manifestation that the spirit of bureaucratic reform and strengthening public services is beginning to show results. This spirit should be the breath in every national decision-making process going forward.
When the state moves quickly, the people no longer feel left behind. The government’s response to Enggano Island is an important note in the history of Indonesian development: that leadership is not only about a grand vision, but also about real presence when the people need it. And in that context, the government today has proven that the state can be present on time, with real solutions.
)* The author is a National Development Literacy Activist
