Sociologist from the University of Bangka Belitung (UBB) Dr Fitri Ramdhani Harahap M.Si stated that the central government and the provincial governments of the Bangka Belitung Islands and Riau Islands need to involve local figures and residents to resolve the dispute over Pulau Tujuh.
"The transfer of administrative areas without the full participation of local communities certainly has the potential to create identity disorientation," said Fitri Ramdhani Harahap in Pangkalpinang, Friday.
He said the Home Affairs Ministry's decision to determine Pulau Tujuh as part of the Riau Islands Province administrative area has triggered a strong reaction from the Bangka Belitung Provincial Government. The regional government, together with the Babel DPRD, expressed their firm rejection and even planned to take the matter to the Constitutional Court.
"Behind these dynamics, there is a fundamental question that is often overlooked, namely what will happen to the local people living on Pulau Tujuh," he said.
