NTB proposes regional control of small island management

The West Nusa Tenggara NTB Provincial Government has proposed that regional governments be granted the authority to issue permits for small island management. This move aims to enhance investment certainty and accelerate development in archipelagic areas, including Gili Trawangan, Gili Meno, Gili Air, Moyo Island, and Satonda Island. Muslim, head of the NTB Marine Affairs and Fisheries Office, stated that delegating permitting authority to regions would ensure investment certainty across Indonesia's archipelagic regions. The proposal is intended for inclusion in the Bill on Archipelagic Regions, currently under deliberation. NTB also suggests establishing a management authority for small islands to improve coordination among archipelagic provinces. This is deemed necessary to clarify management, particularly regarding permits, which have previously faced delays due to overlapping authority with the central government. NTB's waters cover approximately 29,000 square kilometers, offering significant potential in marine and fisheries sectors. The provincial government hopes the new bill will provide policies to strengthen inter-island connectivity, blue economy innovation, infrastructure, and spatial and environmental management.