The Committee II of the Regional Representative Council (DPD RI) conducted a working visit to Batam, Riau Islands, beginning Monday, June 4, 2024. This visit was part of their supervisory duties over the implementation of Law No. 17 of 2008 on Maritime Affairs, as amended by Law No. 6 of 2023 regarding the Establishment of Government Regulation in Lieu of Law No. 2 of 2022 on Job Creation.
The visit aimed to engage with local officials, including the Mayor of Batam and other stakeholders, to discuss on-the-ground practices, issues, challenges, opportunities, and feedback related to the Maritime Law. This engagement underscores the strategic importance of Batam in Indonesia’s archipelagic connectivity and regional maritime operations.
During the visit, members of DPD RI, including Agustin Teras Narang, engaged with Batam’s Mayor and his team. They explored various aspects of maritime law and its impact on local and national connectivity, emphasizing the need for robust maritime infrastructure and policies to support the archipelagic nature of Indonesia.
The delegation also visited key maritime facilities, including the International Ferry Port at Batam Centre, which is a critical hub for trade and tourism between Indonesia and neighboring countries like Singapore. These visits provided insights into the operational challenges and security measures essential for national interests.
Teras Narang highlighted the dual role of maritime facilities in Batam, not only as economic gateways but also as security checkpoints, ensuring that they operate optimally around the clock for national security and economic development.
The DPD RI used this visit to gather significant insights that could lead to recommendations for improving maritime governance at both local and national levels. They aimed to facilitate better coordination and implementation of maritime laws to enhance economic growth and regional connectivity.
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The discussions and findings from this visit are expected to contribute to the long-term strategy for enhancing Indonesia’s maritime sector, focusing on increasing the effectiveness and efficiency of maritime operations and regulations to boost regional economic development and societal welfare.
The proactive steps taken by Indonesia’s DPD in supervising and improving maritime governance through direct engagement in Batam highlight the country’s commitment to enhancing its maritime sector. These efforts are crucial for supporting the archipelagic state’s connectivity, security, and economic growth, with potential positive impacts on regional trade and cooperation.
Committee II of the DPD RI conducted a supervisory visit to Batam to discuss enhancements and challenges in the implementation of Indonesia’s Maritime Law. The visit emphasized the strategic importance of Batam in national and regional maritime connectivity and aimed to gather insights to improve maritime policies and infrastructure for better economic and security outcomes.
Sources: Pro Klaten, RMOL.id (2024)
