<![CDATA[Indonesia’s outermost small islands hold a strategic position in determining national boundaries, safeguarding sovereignty, and supporting economic development and community welfare. This study aims to analyze the implementation of government policies concerning the management and defense of Indonesia’s outermost small islands and to identify obstacles to their implementation. It employs normative legal research using statutory and conceptual approaches. Primary and secondary legal materials were collected through a literature review and analyzed qualitatively. The findings indicate that Indonesia has established an adequate legal framework through UNCLOS 1982, legislation on state territory, legislation on the management of coastal areas and small islands, and regulations concerning the utilization of outermost small islands. These policies are implemented through island designation, infrastructure development, public service provision, economic empowerment, environmental protection, territorial surveillance, and strengthened defense. However, implementation continues to face constraints related to accessibility, infrastructure, funding, human resources, and interagency coordination. This study concludes that the management and defense of outermost small islands must be undertaken in an integrated manner by combining legal, security, community welfare, and environmental sustainability approaches. Keywords: government policy; outermost small islands; management; defense; sovereignty.]]>
