NTT Wants to be Island Province: Kupang, East Nusa Tenggara

The East Nusa Tenggara administration has officially proposed that the central government turn the province, which consists of 1,190 islands, into an island province.

The change of status, according to Governor Piet A. Tallo, will facilitate public service and generate more funds from the central government according to a recent article in the Jakarta Post.

“The province has 1,190 islands, only 413 of which have been named … and around 400 of them are inhabited. This condition is unfavorable from the aspect of providing public services and administrative coordination. An island province means funds allocated by the central government would be greater and infrastructure development more optimal,” Tallo said in Kupang.

He said the establishment of East Nusa Tenggara as an island province and the planned separation of Flores province pertained to two different issues. He urged people not to doubt the plans.

“The most important thing is the substance. The agenda to establish Flores province will still continue, while the proposal to turn East Nusa Tenggara into an island province should also go on as planned,” he said.