Selat Lampa Port in Natuna Regency has officially been designated as an International Port, following the issuance of a decree by the Director General of Sea Transportation, Ministry of Transportation of the Republic of Indonesia, No. AL.301/II/14/DP-25 dated July 1, 2025.
This strategic decision marks a new chapter in the economic transformation of Indonesia’s border region, which occupies a geostrategic position along the international shipping lanes of the North Natuna Sea. The designation also paves the way for Natuna to play a more prominent role in the global trade supply chain.
As a follow-up, the Riau Islands Provincial Government together with the Natuna Regency Government held a strategic forum at the Office of the Director General of Foreign Trade, Ministry of Trade, Jakarta, on Monday (September 8).
During the forum, Natuna Regent Cen Sui Lan emphasized that the change of status for Selat Lampa Port should not be limited to an administrative shift. She stressed the urgent need to ensure sustainable international trade activities, so that the port’s international status can effectively drive economic growth, attract investment, and strengthen Natuna’s role as a national trade gateway at the frontier.
To achieve this, Cen Sui Lan acknowledged that international-standard facilities such as customs, quarantine, and logistics must be prepared in advance. She also expressed appreciation for the Ministry of Trade’s commitment to providing technical assistance to ensure smooth operations at the newly designated international port.
According to Cen Sui Lan, cross-sector synergy is the key determinant of Natuna’s success in transforming into a new center of economic growth. With clear regulations, adequate infrastructure, and the readiness of local businesses, Selat Lampa Port is expected to serve as a catalyst for border economic integration within the global trade network.
She further noted that the designation of Selat Lampa as an international port represents a strategic momentum to reinforce Indonesia’s economic sovereignty in the North Natuna Sea. Well-managed cross-border trade, she added, would not only enhance the economic value of local commodities but also strengthen the state’s presence in border areas.
Riau Islands Governor Ansar Ahmad echoed this view, describing the designation as part of a broader strategy for maritime economic development in border regions. He noted that Selat Lampa International Port will integrate Natuna into global trade networks while expanding market access for key local commodities, particularly capture fisheries, seafood processing, and energy resources.
Meanwhile, Acting Director General of Foreign Trade Isy Karim, M.Si expressed strong appreciation for the proactive steps taken by the Riau Islands Provincial Government and Natuna Regency in developing cross-border trade potential.
He stated that the Ministry of Trade would continue to support the facilitation of export-import activities at Selat Lampa Port in line with prevailing regulations, particularly regarding commodity classification and licensing procedures.
In the long term, both central and regional governments are targeting the development of a competitive port ecosystem, including the establishment of supporting industrial zones, the provision of modern cargo handling facilities, and the integration of information technology in logistics management.
This long-term program aims to position Selat Lampa not only as a maritime trade hub linking Natuna to international markets, but also as a driver of equitable national economic growth from Indonesia’s outermost regions.
Isy Karim concluded by noting that the outcomes of this meeting would be submitted to the Minister of Trade as a basis for strengthening further policy decisions.
As background, this meeting followed up on a coordination meeting held on August 25, 2025, at Gedung Daerah, which discussed the plan to strengthen Selat Lampa Port as a center for export-import activities. The meeting was attended by Riau Islands Governor Ansar Ahmad, Natuna Regent Cen Sui Lan, the Head of the Riau Islands Provincial Office of Industry and Trade, the Head of Natuna’s Office of Industry, Trade, Cooperatives and SMEs, as well as representatives from businesses engaged in export-import activities.
That earlier meeting resulted in a joint commitment to strengthen the trade ecosystem, including enhancing the capacity of local businesses, developing governance systems, and improving the competencies of human resources involved in international logistics. (Pro_Kopim/Patli)
RILIS PERS, Number : 0537/PRO_KOPIM/2025
