January 16, 2025
Mysterious 30 km Sea Fence in Tangerang Sparks Controversy
A 30 km-long fence spanning Tangerang’s coastline along the Java Sea has gained significant attention recently. The structure, reportedly installed sometime last year, has drawn public scrutiny and sparked debates about its purpose and legality.
Fence Gains Viral Attention
The fence gained widespread public attention after pictures and videos went viral on social media. Even President Prabowo Subianto noticed it and referred to it in his remarks. This prompted the Maritime Affairs and Fisheries Ministry to take action, sealing the structure off but not dismantling it entirely.
Illegal Structure Without Proper Authorization
The Maritime Affairs and Fisheries Minister, Sakti Wahyu Trenggono, explained that the ministry’s operating procedures prevent the dismantling of the structure without identifying the perpetrator and the source of financing. Once the violations are confirmed, an administrative sanction will be imposed, and the party responsible will be ordered to dismantle it.
A joint investigation by the Indonesian Marine Police and Banten Maritime Affairs and Fisheries Agency in September 2024 concluded that the fence was illegal because it lacked a required marine spatial utilization activity (KKPRL) license. This license is essential for obtaining a maritime business permit, as per a 2022 government regulation.
Environmental Concerns
Concerns have been raised about the fence’s potential impact on marine biodiversity. Standing 700 meters from the shoreline, the structure could harm the areas designated for fisheries and energy management.
Second Mysterious Fence Emerges
The mystery surrounding the Tangerang fence heightened when another offshore fence, spanning 8 km along the northern coast of Bekasi, West Java, was discovered. Like the Tangerang fence, its origins remained unclear.
The Blame Game
Speculations abound regarding the parties behind the Tangerang fence. The Agung Sedayu Group, known for developing the 1,800-hectare Pantai Indah Kapuk (PIK) 2 real estate megaproject in the region, was a suspected culprit. However, a spokesperson for PIK 2, Toni, denied any involvement.
In contrast, a group called Jaringan Rakyat Pantura (North Coast People’s Network) claimed responsibility for the fence in Tangerang. They stated that local residents built it to prevent coastal erosion four to five months ago. Nonetheless, environmentalists doubt this claim, suggesting that such a large structure couldn’t have gone unnoticed by authorities.
Environmentalists’ Perspective
Environmentalists like Zenzi Suhadi of the Indonesian Forum for the Environment (Walhi) believe local fishermen wouldn’t voluntarily block their access to the sea. He suspects some officials might be supporting the fence’s construction. Zenzi also theorized that these fences might be connected to land reclamation projects around Greater Jakarta, intended for the development of new islets.
Zenzi emphasized the need for immediate action, suggesting that the fence should be dismantled instead of just sealed off. He called for a full investigation involving high-ranking officials who might benefit from these constructions.
Impact on Local Communities
While environmentalists push for action, some local communities in Tangerang view the fence positively. The North Coast People’s Network noted that the structure supports local fishermen in cultivating shrimp and harvesting mussels. However, they acknowledged that they would not resist if the government decided to dismantle it.
Government Response
The Maritime Affairs and Fisheries Minister’s statement stressed the need for due process in identifying the perpetrators and ensuring legal compliance before dismantling the fence.
“But when we have confirmed [who committed] the violation, we will hand down an administrative sanction and ask them to dismantle it,” Minister Sakti Wahyu Trenggono stated in a video statement.
Conclusion
The mysterious 30 km sea fence in Tangerang, coupled with another fence in Bekasi, has ignited speculation and debate about their legitimacy and impact. As investigations continue, the dispute highlights the critical need for transparency and accountability in coastal development and environmental protection.
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