The Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Kadin) together with the Indonesian Defence University (Unhan) and the Indonesian Marine Security Agency (Bakamla) held an FGD entitled ‘Border Area Management Strategy in the Context of Maintaining Marine Security and Improving the Economy and Community Welfare in Natuna Regency and Anambas Regency - Prov. Riau Islands", Wednesday (16/7/2024).

Vice Chairman of Kadin for Border Area Development, Eddy Suryadi, said that the Natuna and Anambas border areas in the Riau Islands have a strategic position in the waters of the South China Sea. This region is not only important geographically and geopolitically, but also economically, where it is rich in natural resources, including oil, gas, fisheries, and tourism. Its location on international shipping lanes makes Natuna and Anambas one of the key points in maintaining Indonesia's maritime security and stability in the Southeast Asian region.

Natuna and Anambas are located on very important international shipping lanes, especially in the South China Sea which is the main trade route between East Asia and Southeast Asia. This position makes Natuna and Anambas a strategic region both in terms of economy and security. Natuna and Anambas are famous for their rich natural resources, especially oil and natural gas found offshore, as well as in the fisheries and tourism sectors.

‘Natuna and Anambas are important to manage well, and strengthening defence and security in the region is a priority to maintain state sovereignty and ensure regional stability,’ Eddy said.

On the other hand, inadequate infrastructure, limited access, and low welfare levels are challenges. The Natuna and Anambas border area management strategy is expected to create a safe and stable environment, as well as improve community welfare through sustainable natural resource management and adequate infrastructure development. Thus, Natuna and Anambas can become a model for the management of other border areas in Indonesia.