JAKARTA, INDONESIA — Today Indonesia celebrates National Maritime Day, with this year’s theme being “Seafarers’s Contribution to Protecting the Marine Environment.” As an archipelago nation deeply connected to, and reliant upon, the marine environment, it’s important to recognize conservation and sovereignty efforts across the nation, particularly on the Natuna Islands. 

With Natuna being Indonesia’s northernmost border in the Riau archipelago, the islands hold great economic opportunities that include fishing, natural resources, environmental conservation, and increasingly, ecotourism. Not to mention it is now a fast-growing favorite playground for yachters, more so ever since Indonesia eased entry regulations for yachts to sail into Indonesian seas. At a recent Focus Group Discussion hosted by Invest SEA and the Committee for Monitoring the Implementation of Regional Autonomy (KPPOD), Wayhu Muryadi, Spokesperson for the Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries, said “The Natuna Islands have great potential for economic growth and environmental preservations.” Fellow panelist Rodhial Huda, Vice Regent of the Natuna Islands said, “Natuna’s position is important for the development of the national territory. In addition, Natuna has a considerable role in economic growth in Indonesia by having large resources and having a strategic location. This makes Natuna a gateway for the Southeast Asia region.” 

In the past, news coverage of the Natuna Islands revolved around the rise in illegal fishing cases by foreign fishermen and China’s unilateral claims over parts of Natuna’s waters (EEZ) with its nine dash line. Many media outlets talk about the instability and chaos in Natuna Island, but new field research suggests that that isn’t the case.

Years ago, Natuna faced a challenge in security and defense, but Natuna is now equipped with a strong military presence to prevent other countries’ encroachment.

Thanks to the steadfast efforts of seafarers, the waters surrounding Natuna are vigilantly monitored, deterring unauthorized activities. These seafarers act as stewards of the marine environment, alerting authorities to any threats and ensuring sustainable practices are upheld.

The great geographical location and oceanographic condition of Natuna also contributes to its high fisheries capacity. Seafarers, recognizing the fragility of these ecosystems, embrace responsible fishing practices. This dedication is reflected in the sustainable aquaculture fisheries of Napoleon, which contribute to the island’s economic growth while safeguarding its marine environment. (Natuna is also famous for its aquaculture fisheries of Napoleon with allowed export capacity up to 30,000 kilograms). Aside from being the world’s busiest shipping and fishing routes, the North Natuna Sea contributes to 10% of global seafood demand. This proves how enormous Natuna’s potential of fishery resources is. 

Not only is Natuna Island a declared national geopark, but it is also home to numerous geopark sites, namely Tanjung Datuk, Batu Kasah, Ranai Mountain, Senubing, Setanau Island, Senua Island, Akar Island, and Kamak Cave and Beach. The geopark area will later be proposed to the UNESCO Global Geopark to become a World Geopark.

Seafarers play a crucial role in promoting environmental conservation, educating visitors about the significance of preserving these sites for future generations.

Despite its location away from the mainland, Natuna is just as much a part of Indonesia, and often showcases its proud heritage and culture. Festivals are hosted on the islands throughout the year, making it an ecotourists’ dream destination:

• Festival Pulau Senua (Senua Island Festival): An annual routine agenda held by the Natuna Regency Government through the Department of Tourism and Culture, in collaboration with the Youth Organization of Sepempang Village, East Bunguran District.
• Festival Bahari Kepri (Riau Island Maritime Festival): A series of tourism events, both marine, natural and cultural, as well as traditional, creative and modern games that will enliven the Riau Islands. According to the government, this event is a great branding for Riau Islands, as well as Natuna.
• Tour de Kepri: A semi-pro bicycle racing event whose assessment refers to the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) standard, or a unique semi-pro bicycle race in Indonesia.
• Yacht Rally Sail to Natuna: An annual routine activity organized by the Natuna Culture and Tourism Office. This event was last held in 2019 and attracted domestic and foreign tourists.
• These events align harmoniously with this year’s Maritime Day theme, shedding light on the vital role of seafarers in protecting the marine ecosystem.

Natuna also has 19 oil and gas working areas in West Natuna Block with both exploration and production status, and owns a massive oil and gas resource.

However, seafarers and stakeholders understand that responsible extraction practices are imperative to minimize environmental impact. The government has set three programs for oil and gas development in the Natuna Island, which are the preparation of regulations for the development of Natuna, changes in fiscal terms so that oil and gas fields are economical to develop, and also additional exploration time such as an extension of the time for drilling exploration wells. The island’s journey toward energy development underscores the importance of balancing economic prosperity with environmental stewardship.

About Sustainable Development in Natuna and Invest SEA

The challenge to develop Natuna Island is that there has been a lack of funding and many of the locals still make a living from traditional fishing in small, five or six-tonne wooden boats. Both local governments and communities in Natuna are passionate about promoting Natuna Island as one of Indonesia’s leading ecotourism destinations and are eager to attract foreign investments, may that be national or international, to make that happen. The leading organization that focuses on sustainable development in Natuna is Invest SEA. 

Invest SEA is an organization that aims to encourage new and current investors to expand sustainable ventures through green economic growth and fair working conditions, advancing business practices that create opportunities for future generations in Southeast Asia’s region. In line with this year’s Maritime Day theme, Invest SEA’s commitment to future generations aligns seamlessly with the goal of protecting the marine environment while driving responsible economic progress.

Natuna Island serves as a shining example of the harmony between economic progress and marine conservation. Seafarers’ unwavering dedication, supported by organizations like InvestSEA, showcases the crucial role they play in protecting the marine environment. As we celebrate this year’s Maritime Day theme, let Natuna Island inspire us to appreciate the symbiotic relationship between seafarers and the marine world they tirelessly safeguard.