The Indonesian government has dismissed reports of isolation and shortages of essential supplies on Enggano Island in Bengkulu, following a direct inspection.
“We’re here to assess the progress in addressing the shallowing of shipping lanes at Baai Island Port and to investigate reports circulating in Jakarta about logistics shortages on Enggano Island,” said Wahyu Bintono Hari Bawono, a special staff member to the Minister of Home Affairs, in Bengkulu on Friday.
He said that Minister Tito Karnavian ordered the review after hearing claims that residents of the remote island had faced logistical disruptions—and even famine—over the past four months.
“We’ve gathered information from the governor, district head, sub-district head, village leaders, and university students currently doing community service on Enggano Island,” Bawono added.
According to him, both local authorities and students have denied the reports.
“Local stakeholders have clarified that rumors about shortages of food, fuel, and other supplies are not true,” he said. “That’s why the Home Affairs Minister sent us to see the situation firsthand.”
Susanto, head of the Enggano Island sub-district, acknowledged that while the island had experienced some isolation due to shallowing shipping lanes, there has been no critical shortage of goods.
“Our supplies of food and fuel are sufficient for the next month. We’re not facing food shortages,” he said. “However, the limited access has made it difficult for us to sell our agricultural products in Bengkulu City.”
He expressed hope that the issue would be addressed quickly so that normal trade and logistics operations can resume.
“We’re grateful to President Prabowo Subianto for issuing an instruction to accelerate development on Enggano Island,” he added.
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Translator: Boyke L, Tegar Nurfitra
Editor: Anton Santoso
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