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AMBI: Despite being administratively part of Jambi province, people on Berhala Island may choose to be affiliated with Riau Islands province, according to a government official.

The people there have the freedom whether to become residents of Tanjungjebung regency in Jambi, or Lingga regency in Riau Islands.

“According to administrative regulations, the people inhabiting Berhala Island have the right to choose their citizenship status. They may merge with us or become Ligga residents. They shall not be intimidated in making their choice,” Timur Jakfar, the head of the Tanjungjebung Civil Affairs Agency, said.

Despite the privilege over citizenship, Timur expressed hope that they would choose to join his community.

The 10-kilometer square islands, which are inhabited by 60 families, had been a cause of dispute between the two provinces before the government ruled last year in favor of Jambi province. However, the decision has since triggered sentiment among the people of Riau Islands against their neighbors.