Dispute Of 3 Southwest Papuan Entrance Islands Or North Maluku, Central Halteng DPRD Gives Explanation

JAKARTA - The Central Halmahera Regency (Halteng) DPRD, confirmed that the regional dispute over three islands, namely Sain Island, Piyas, and Kiyas, which are claimed to be part of the administrative area of Southwest Papua Province, is part of the administrative area of North Maluku Province (Malut).

Deputy Chairperson I of the Central Java DPRD, Munadi Kilkoda contacted from Ternate, Friday, saying the status of the three islands is final and valid as part of the North Maluku Province, precisely in Central Halmahera Regency, in accordance with the Decree of the Minister of Home Affairs Number 300.2.2-2138 of 2025 concerning Code Provision and Update, Regional Data on Government and Island Administration.

"So the three islands, Sain, Piyas, and Kiyas have been completed, entering North Maluku Province and Central Halmahera Regency. It's clear, there's nothing to dispute with again," said Munadi after a meeting with the Director General of Administration and Regional Affairs of the Ministry of Home Affairs (Kemendagri) on Friday, July 25, which was confiscated by Antara.

He explained that since 2022 the Ministry of Home Affairs has submitted an explanation to the West Papua Provincial Government regarding the status of the three islands through an official letter, and this was reiterated at the Halteng DPRD meeting with the Ministry of Home Affairs.

"So if today the Southwest Papuan Government questions the status of the three islands again, it is inconsequential because their legal basis does not exist," he said.

Munadi asked the Southwest Papua Provincial Government to stop the baseless polemic, given the potential negative impact on the ground if this issue continues to be raised.

"When this polemic continues, it can have implications for friction at the lower level. Of course this is not what we want together," he added.

Munadi also requested that the North Maluku Provincial Government and the Central Halmahera Regency Government not only stop at administrative recognition, but immediately formulate policies for managing the three islands.

"These islands are close to the Raja Ampat tourist area. It's a shame if they are not managed optimally for the tourism sector, even though the prospects are very good," he explained.

He even opened up opportunities for cross-provincial cooperation between North Maluku and Southwest Papua, including Raja Ampat Regency, to jointly develop tourism potential in the border area.

"If the North Maluku Provincial Government, Southwest Papua Provincial Government, Halteng Regency Government, and Raja Ampat Regency Government can collaborate to manage tourist areas that are connected to one another, then those in Papua and us in North Maluku, will benefit together," said Munadi.