Julie Sutrisno Laiskodat, a member of the Special Committee (Pansus) deliberating the Draft Law on Island Regions (RUU Daerah Kepulauan), said the bill must serve as an instrument to balance ecological protection with improvements in community welfare.

She stressed that environmental protection policies must not overlook communities whose livelihoods depend on natural resources in island regions.

“This issue needs to receive attention when formulating policies for island regions. Infrastructure development that supports the economic activities of communities is still necessary, while taking into account the environment’s carrying capacity,” Julie said at an event, as quoted on Monday, September 7, 2026.

Furthermore, she said the geographical characteristics of island regions need to be an important consideration in policymaking. According to her, people living in island areas are highly dependent on natural resources, meaning that development approaches must be tailored to the conditions of each region.

Therefore, she hopes the discussion of the RUU Daerah Kepulauan will produce policies that can protect ecosystems while also providing communities with opportunities to develop sustainable livelihoods.

“So perhaps we need to find a solution to this. How can both sides be satisfied, while at the same time we continue to fight for the welfare of the people to be achieved as well?” she concluded.