Anambas Islands Key Infrastructure
Anambas islands key infrastructure continues to advance as government agencies channel resources toward tourism-friendly developments. Improved roads, additional ferry routes, and upgraded facilities at Letung Airport are part of the broader push to make the archipelago directly accessible to regional international airports.
The Anambas Islands, located in Indonesia’s Riau Islands Province, comprise more than 250 islands in the Natuna Sea. They lie 300km northeast of Singapore. Although these islands were once overshadowed by popular destinations like Bali, growing interest in their unspoiled landscapes has surged in recent years.
Local leaders and investors have recognised the need for robust infrastructure to support both residents and eco-friendly tourism. Historically, communities here have relied on fishing and small-scale agriculture. Today, improvements in airports, ports, and roads are reshaping daily life. This article explores key infrastructural elements—including Tarempa and Letung, and highlights their roles in fostering sustainable development in the Anambas.
Contents
Terempa
Serving as the capital of Anambas Regency on Siantan Island is the main town of Terempa. Historically, it has housed most administrative offices, which oversee governance across the archipelago. Due to its central role, Terempa’s port supports much of the region’s economic activity, including inter-island trade and ferry services.
Fishing remains vital in Tarempa, sustaining many families who bring their fresh catches to local markets. Although Tarempa itself is relatively small, it features core amenities such as a diesel-powered electricity grid and a small hospital. Internet connectivity has gradually improved in Tarempa, thanks to 4G signals offered mainly by Telkomsel.
Recent infrastructure improvements in Terempa include the new causeway on the Eastern flank of Terempa bay, and the new government facilities office 3km to the East of Terempa bay and adjacent to the proposed bridge alignment that will connect Siantan to Tanjung Peninting on the Southern end of Matak island.
Letung
While Tarempa is the administrative center, Letung on Jemaja Island is now the main entry point due to Letung Airport (LMU). This once-remote town now benefits from direct flights that reduce travel time significantly. Fishing still anchors the local economy, but small businesses and tourism-focused ventures—such as homestays and guided tours—are growing due to the increased accessibility.
Local governance in Letung aligns with policy directions from Tarempa, yet it also addresses Jemaja-specific needs. Efforts focus on enhancing water supply, roads, and workforce training in tourism and fishing. Conservation programs, often led by NGOs, partner with local authorities to ensure that coral reefs and marine habitats remain protected.
Letung Port – Anambas Islands Key Infrastructure
Although smaller than Terempa’s harbor, Letung Port is crucial for Jemaja Island. Ferries from Tarempa, Batam, and other islands often stop here, bringing goods and passengers closer to Letung’s newly emerging airport hub. Minor upgrades to docking facilities and passenger waiting areas have already eased congestion.
Officials anticipate further expansion to handle increased traffic, hoping Letung Port can match future demand from both local communities and visitors. By synchronizing ferry and flight schedules, Letung Town aims to streamline travel throughout the Anambas.
The proposed expansion of the Letung port area will provide deep water access for the larger international ferries that ply the waters from Singapore to Hong Kong, and would create a significant boost to the local economy.
Airports in the Anambas
Air travel is indispensable for connecting the remote Anambas Islands to the rest of Indonesia. Two airports—Letung Airport on Jemaja Island and Matak Airport—form the archipelago’s primary air links.
Letung Airport (LMU)
Letung Airport located at Jemaja Island in Anambas Islands Regency in Riau Archipelago Province started its commercial operation on 11 August 2018. Initially with a runway of 1200m x 30m, the length was increased to 1,430m to cater for larger aircraft, and is set to be increased again to cater for regional international flights.
Letung airport is serviced by a Wings Air ATR72 regional plane, carrying 72 passengers.
Matak Airport (MWK)
Matak airport was historically the entry point to the Anambas islands, being only 15km to the North of Terempa. Once Letung airport in Jemaja was opened, Matak airport was closed to the public.
Matak Airport’s runway suits mid-sized aircraft, primarily reserved for corporate logistics and personnel transport. Though the airport could, in theory, expand its services to the public, its focus has remained on energy-related operations. Security requirements and corporate structures often complicate broader commercial usage. Matak airport is serviced by a Dornier 328 carrying up to 30 passengers.
Ferry Routes and Maritime Infrastructure
Despite the convenience of air travel, ferries still dominate day-to-day transportation in the Anambas. Most local populations depend on maritime links for grocery deliveries, cargo shipments, and inter-island family visits.
Tarempa Port stands as the busiest ferry terminal, bridging routes to Batam, Bintan, and smaller settlements. Letung Port on Jemaja supports travelers connecting to Letung Airport, while Matak Jetty mostly caters to oil sector traffic. The government continuously strives to improve ferry safety standards, benefiting residents and boosting tourism prospects.
Anambas Islands Key Infrastructure – Road Networks and Local Transportation
Road quality varies throughout the archipelago. Tarempa and Letung feature paved streets near town centers, while rural areas often rely on dirt tracks. Seasonal rains can trigger small landslides or flooding, disrupting normal travel.
Motorbikes, small cars, and shared mini-vans are the main modes of local transport. Though formal bus systems are scarce, these informal solutions provide flexibility. Plans for better roads, proper drainage, and possible bridge connections underscore the island chain’s commitment to enhancing mobility.
Electricity and Water Supply
Diesel generators remain the primary power source, particularly in Tarempa and Letung. More remote villages may receive only limited daily electricity, highlighting the need for renewable alternatives. Some pilot projects involving solar power have emerged, potentially reducing diesel costs and pollution.
Likewise, water supply relies on wells, rain catchment, and small streams. Piped networks exist in Terempa, Letung and some larger villages, but many households still haul water manually. NGOs and local agencies collaborate on expanding reservoir capacity and introducing community-managed water systems, aiming to ensure consistent, safe supplies across all islands.
Anambas Islands Key Infrastructure – Telecommunications and Internet
Mobile networks, offered by Telkomsel provide decent coverage near Tarempa and Letung, but signal strength drops outside populated zones. Many communities are lobbying for more towers or expanded satellite-based solutions, enabling stable communication and online education.
Internet access primarily relies on 3G or 4G signals with some satellite communications available to government. A few hotspots or internet cafés in Tarempa and Letung offer better speed, but most residents experience modest connections. Where coverage is reliable, digital tools like telemedicine and remote learning have started to reshape local life.
The agreement between Telkomsel and starlink will bring a step change to the people of Anambas and future developers.
Anambas Islands Key Infrastructure – Healthcare and Education
A small hospital in Tarempa and clinics (puskesmas) across other islands deliver general medical services. Severe cases usually require transfer to Batam or Tanjung Pinang. Letung Airport helps expedite these medical evacuations, which can be crucial for time-sensitive conditions.
In terms of education, each inhabited island has at least one primary school, while Tarempa provides secondary education. Many students later move to Batam or Java for advanced studies. Some local authorities champion distance learning, especially where internet is strong enough to support video lessons or e-libraries.
Supporting Infrastructure for Tourism and Shipping
Eco-lodges, homestays, and smaller hotels have proliferated near Siantan Island and Jemaja, catering to travelers seeking unspoiled diving spots. Although the Anambas lacks large-scale resorts, interest is rising. Private developers often propose seaplane or yacht docking facilities for high-end tourism, yet environmental guidelines must be followed to prevent harm to reefs.
Fishing traditions remain central to the economy, with aquaculture initiatives gaining momentum in sheltered bays. Matak Island’s oil and gas infrastructure supplies energy companies operating offshore, occasionally offering corporate social responsibility projects that benefit local communities.
Anambas Islands Key Infrastructure – Current Projects and Future Outlook
Local government agencies routinely coordinate with Riau Islands Province and national ministries to fund or oversee infrastructure projects. Road expansions, water treatment facilities, and telecommunication upgrades are either in progress or under discussion. Several philanthropic groups and NGOs also contribute grants or technical expertise.
Investors, both domestic and international, see the significant potential in ecotourism throughout the Anambas. Coral reef preservation, waste management, and fair community engagement form key pillars of sustainable development and are upheld by existing developers, for example the Anambas Foundation created by Bawah Reserve.
Infrastructure development in the province continues to accelerate, with the following projects either underway or approved and in the pipeline.
Bridges
- Siantan to Matak interisland bridge
- Siantan to Bajau interisland bridge
- Matak to Air Asuk island bridge
Heliports and Seaplane Docks
- Bawah Reserve.
- Semut Island.
- Seaplane dock and maintenance infrastructure at the Siantan to Bajau bridge area.
Airports
- Expansion of Letung port
- Reintroduction of flights to Matak airport, creating 2 entry points into the province.
Access Routes
- Immigration at Letung airport to cater for direct flights from Singapore and Malaysia.
- Terminal to cater for direct ferries from Tioman Islands (Malaysia) to Anambas.
- Letung port expansion to cater for international cruise ships.
The article series Anambas Islands Maps has locations of current and proposed infrastructure projects in the Anambas islands.
Anambas Islands Key Infrastructure FAQ
FAQ1 – Where can I find more information on development options in the Anambas Islands?
The Anambas Islands Development article gives further insight into development options in the Anambas Islands.
FAQ2 – How do I get to the Anambas islands?
Check out our detailed article on How to Get to the Anambas islands which has not only the routes and timetables but also convenient booking links to flights and ferries.
FAQ3 – How do I get around the Anambas islands?
Check out our article on getting around the Anambas islands for insights into travel types, distances and options, and our article on where to stay in the Anambas islands gives options for both cultural immersion in the main towns and villages but also the tranquility of the outer islands and exclusive resort options for a private or luxury destination.
Anambas Islands Key Infrastructure – Summary
The Anambas Islands are transforming from remote fishing villages into a connected, promising region. Terempa’s port, Letung Airport, and Matak’s oil-linked infrastructure each drive segments of this growth, while improved roads and utilities elevate local living standards. Moreover, the synergy between ferries and airports enables diverse travel options, ensuring that residents can access healthcare and trade, and tourists can explore the archipelago’s pristine ecosystems.
Yet, continuous collaboration among local administrators, NGOs, and private stakeholders remains paramount. Infrastructure expansions must respect fragile habitats and honor cultural traditions, preventing the pitfalls of unregulated mass tourism. By embracing sustainable strategies in all development efforts, the Anambas can position itself as a premier destination for eco-tourism in Indonesia, combining modern infrastructure with responsible stewardship of marine and terrestrial environments.