The temporary hold on shipments of essential food commodities from Tanjungpinang to Natuna has raised concerns over supply and potential price increases. The shipments, which included everyday food items, were reportedly held because they did not have the required quarantine documents.
Responding to the situation, Natuna Regent Cen Sui Lan brought together the Natuna Regional House of Representatives, relevant members of the Regional Leadership Coordination Forum (Forkopimda), heads of related government agencies, representatives of the Indonesian Employers Association (Apindo), and local business owners to discuss a solution. The coordination meeting was held on Saturday, August 29, 2026, at the Natuna Regent’s Office in Batu Sisir, Bukit Arai, with a focus on addressing obstacles to the distribution of food commodities from supply areas in the Riau Islands to Natuna, which is classified as a Retail Trading Zone (RTZ).
Cen Sui Lan said the temporary hold by the Natuna Service Unit of the Animal, Fish and Plant Quarantine Agency (BKHIT) involved agricultural and animal-based commodities intended to meet the community’s food needs. The shipments were held because the required quarantine documents had not been completed.
She acknowledged that quarantine controls are important, but stressed that documentation issues need to be resolved quickly. Prolonged delays could disrupt the supply of essential goods, potentially lead to shortages, and ultimately drive up prices and increase the burden on local residents.
Through the meeting, Cen Sui Lan hoped all parties could strengthen coordination and agree on practical solutions to the distribution and transportation permit issues, particularly to ensure a stable supply of food commodities in Natuna.
The results of the meeting will be submitted to BKHIT and the Governor of the Riau Islands as part of efforts to secure support for easier licensing and smoother transportation and distribution of essential food commodities to Natuna.
Cen Sui Lan also urged local businesses to complete the required distribution and quarantine documents as soon as possible. This is especially important for commodities such as garlic, shallots, dried chilies, and other staple foods so they can continue to be transported to Natuna without unnecessary delays.
Iwan Setiawan, head of the Natuna Service Unit of BKHIT Riau Islands, explained that the agency’s responsibilities are based on Law No. 21 of 2019 concerning animal, fish, and plant quarantine. Its role includes monitoring commodities throughout the supply chain, from suppliers and distributors to retailers, to prevent pests and diseases from entering or leaving an area, including through domestic inter-regional and inter-island trade.
Iwan said the temporary hold was carried out solely because the required quarantine documents were not available with the commodities. He encouraged suppliers and distributors to complete all quarantine requirements to help ensure that consumers receive food and other commodities that are safe and fit for use. (Pro_kopimnatuna/endang)
RILIS PERS, Number : 0702/PRO_KOPIM/2025
