Natuna, Nov. 24 -- Among Indonesia's northern frontiers is Natuna District in Riau Islands Province, which is bounded by international waters, including the highly disputed South China Sea, and shares maritime borders with Malaysia and Vietnam.

Geographically, Natuna's remote position comes with both strategic advantages and pressing challenges. Although the district lies along an international shipping route, it faces persistent obstacles in sustaining the lives of its residents.

Natuna is far removed from Tanjung Pinang, the capital of the Riau Islands. Despite being part of the same province, the two regions are separated by up to two days of sailing. In addition, the district has long been heavily dependent on supplies from other re...