The Malay world, encompassing Indonesia, Malaysia, Brunei, and Singapore, is a region bound by shared geography, cultural ties, and economic interdependence. This interconnectedness has made tourism a vital industry, driving not only economic growth but also cross-border collaboration. The strategic positioning of key destinations within this region has facilitated the flow of capital and tourists, creating a dynamic economic corridor. At the heart of this lies Bintan Island, a small but strategically significant hub that exemplifies the potential of regional tourism to transcend national boundaries and foster economic integration.

Situated within the Singapore-Johor-Riau (SIJORI) Growth Triangle, Bintan has emerged as a premier tourist destination, drawing heavily on its proximity to Singapore. Its transformation into a bustling hub of high-end resorts and natural attractions offers a case study in how informal mechanisms and paradiplomacy can drive development in border regions. Bintan’s journey highlights not only the opportunities but also the challenges of leveraging tourism for cross-border cooperation, particularly within the context of the Malay world’s shared geography.

The Rise of Bintan as a Tourism Hub

Bintan’s transformation is closely tied to its location within the SIJORI Growth Triangle, which combines Singapore’s financial and logistical strength, Johor’s industrial base, and the natural allure of Indonesia’s Riau Islands. This arrangement has turned Bintan into a complementary destination to Singapore, offering visitors a tranquil escape just a ferry ride away.

The establishment of the Lagoi Free Trade Zone (FTZ) in 2007 marked a turning point for Bintan’s development. Managed by the Singaporean-owned Bintan Resort Cakrawala (BRC), Lagoi has become synonymous with luxury tourism, catering predominantly to international visitors. Events like the Ironman triathlon have further cemented Bintan’s reputation as a premier destination, attracting affluent tourists and positioning the island as a vital node in the region’s tourism ecosystem.

This flow of tourists and capital across borders exemplifies the potential of the Malay world’s shared geography to drive mutual economic benefits. Bintan, as a satellite destination of Singapore, showcases how strategic partnerships can enhance the region’s appeal on the global stage.

Informality: A Strategic Tool for Cross-Border Cooperation

While formal agreements and government policies have laid the foundation for Bintan’s development, much of its success can be attributed to informal mechanisms. Informality, in this context, refers to non-codified practices that enable swift and flexible collaboration between stakeholders.

In Bintan, local authorities have effectively mobilized private actors as proxies for international cooperation. For example, partnerships between the BRC, Singaporean event organizers, and the local government have enabled the successful hosting of high-profile events without the delays often associated with formal agreements. These collaborations bypass bureaucratic hurdles, allowing for quicker implementation and more adaptive strategies.

Moreover, informality has facilitated the localization of international standards. While Lagoi’s resorts adhere to Singapore Tourism Board benchmarks, local certification programs have been introduced to help Indonesian workers meet these standards. This approach ensures that the benefits of foreign investment extend to local communities, creating pathways for skills development and employment.

Challenges and Controversies

Despite its successes, Bintan’s development underscores the complexities of cross-border tourism. The reliance on informality raises concerns about transparency and accountability, particularly in a political environment marked by patron-client relationships. While these networks have been effective in driving development, they also risk perpetuating inequalities and fostering dependency on external stakeholders.

The enclave nature of Lagoi is another point of contention. While the area generates significant revenue, much of it flows back to Singaporean investors, leaving local communities with a smaller share of the economic benefits. The limited integration of local labor into Lagoi’s tourism sector further exacerbates these tensions. Many of the high-paying jobs in resorts are occupied by workers from Java, Bali, or abroad, sidelining Bintan’s indigenous workforce.

These challenges highlight the need for a more inclusive approach to development, one that prioritizes local empowerment and ensures that the economic benefits of tourism are equitably distributed.

Lessons for the Malay World

Bintan’s experience offers critical lessons for the broader Malay world, particularly in leveraging tourism as a driver of regional integration. The island’s development underscores the importance of flexibility in governance. Informal mechanisms, while not a substitute for robust institutions, have proven effective in navigating the complexities of cross-border collaboration.

Additionally, the case of Bintan highlights the need for inclusivity. Ensuring that local communities are active participants in, rather than passive beneficiaries of, tourism development is essential for long-term sustainability. Investments in education and skills training tailored to the tourism sector can empower local populations and address labor market imbalances.

Finally, Bintan illustrates the potential of shared geography to create mutually beneficial economic spaces. The island’s integration into the SIJORI Growth Triangle showcases how strategic partnerships can drive regional prosperity. For the Malay world, such collaborations can serve as a model for harnessing the collective strengths of neighboring countries to compete on the global stage.

A Path Forward

Bintan’s journey from a quiet island to a thriving tourism hub is both inspiring and instructive. Its success demonstrates the power of informality and regional cooperation in driving development, while its challenges highlight the importance of addressing inequalities and fostering inclusivity.

As the Malay world continues to position itself as a global tourism destination, Bintan offers a blueprint for balancing economic growth with local empowerment. By leveraging shared geography and fostering deeper regional collaboration, the region can unlock its full potential, creating a sustainable and equitable tourism model.

Bintan is more than just a tourist destination—it is a testament to the opportunities that arise when shared geography, cultural ties, and strategic collaboration converge. For the Malay world, it is a reminder that small islands can have a big impact, not only on regional development but also on the global tourism landscape.

Note: This excerpt is from the article titled "Informality, Paradiplomacy, and Cross-Border Cooperation: The Development of Tourism on Bintan Island, Indonesia," published in Asian Studies Review and available here.