Despite facing technical challenges, the Indonesian government has decided to accelerate the construction of a navigational lighthouse at Karang Singa, off the coast of Bintan Island. Authorities emphasize that this project is not only a navigational facility to ensure safety along busy sea routes, but also an important symbol of Indonesia exercising national sovereignty in waters bordering Singapore and Malaysia.
Karang Singa, also known as Carter Reef, is located about 3.7 nautical miles (approximately 6.85 kilometers) from Tanjung Sading in northern Bintan, directly adjacent to Johor, Malaysia and Singapore. The lighthouse project was initiated by Indonesia's Ministry of Defense in 2021.
According to The Jakarta Post, Hendri, Head of the Riau Islands Province Communication and Information Agency, stated on April 10 that the Bintan regency government had pledged full support for this strategic initiative by the central government. “Karang Singa is not only located on a busy international shipping lane and serves a navigational function, it is also a symbol of national sovereignty, reflecting the legal certainty of Indonesia's maritime boundaries with neighboring countries.”
According to this year's construction plan, an internal drilling system will be installed on the lighthouse, the lower structure will be completed, and the construction of the tower’s upper structure will begin. Due to the accumulation of sediment, and after assessment by the Ministry of Transportation and experts, the construction site was moved about 50 meters from its original position.
The Indonesian Ministry of Defense has allocated a budget of around 4.5 billion rupiah (10.3772 million Malaysian ringgit) for the construction of the lighthouse, a helicopter landing pad, and accommodation or guard posts for administrators.
Hendri also said that the Riau Islands Province and the Bintan regency government are ready to cooperate in the long term to manage these facilities and ensure the continued operation of the lighthouse, thus safeguarding national sovereignty and the economic interests of the people.
No specific completion date for the project has yet been released by Indonesian authorities.
Indonesia and Malaysia once had decades-long disputes over the aforementioned two islands. In 2002, the International Court of Justice ruled against Indonesia, awarding sovereignty over the two islands to Malaysia. Since then, Indonesia has shown a tougher and more proactive stance in managing and building facilities on border islets and in exercising practical control.