30 KM Long Sea Fence Sealed, Local Fishermen Suffer Great Losses

Kapanlagi.com - The sea fence towering 30.16 kilometers in the waters of Tangerang, Banten, has now become the main focus across Indonesia after being sealed by the Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries (KKP). This bamboo fence is suspected to have been built without permission, and its impact is profoundly felt on the ecosystem and the lives of local fishermen.

Initially, the existence of this fence was detected in August 2024 with a length of only 7 kilometers. However, despite receiving warnings from the KKP, the parties responsible for installing the fence ignored them, resulting in its length skyrocketing to over 30 kilometers in just five months.

Pung Nugroho Saksono, Director General of Supervision of Marine and Fisheries Resources, emphasized that the government will take firm action for the sake of justice for coastal communities. This sea fence not only violates the law but also threatens the livelihoods of thousands of traditional fishermen who depend on this area.

This news is summarized by Kapanlagi.com from various sources on Friday (10/1).

1. Chronology of the Appearance of the Mysterious Sea Fence

In August 2024, a mysterious sea fence was first revealed on the northern coast of Tangerang Regency, with an initial length of only 7 kilometers. Although the Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries (KKP) issued a warning to stop the activity, the warning was ignored, and the fence continued to expand until it reached 30.16 kilometers by January 2025, threatening the livelihoods of thousands of fishermen.

Made of bamboo, netting, and heavy sand weights anchored to the seabed, this fencing is suspected to have been constructed during a lapse in supervision, making it difficult to detect. Seeing the increasingly concerning situation, the KKP finally took decisive action by sealing off the fence and giving a deadline for the perpetrators to dismantle this illegal structure, or face forced demolition by the government.

"The discovery has been since August, when it was only 7 kilometers long. A warning has been issued to stop the activities," said the Director General of Supervision of Marine and Fisheries Resources (PSDKP), Pung Nugroho Saksono, as reported by Liputan6 News.

2. The Impact of Coastal Fencing on Traditional Fishermen

The coastal fence built in the area has created significant challenges for around 3,888 fishermen and 502 fish farmers, who are now forced to fish further out to find fish, thus increasing their operational costs and working hours.

The drastically decreasing catch has become a major issue, as access to rich marine resource waters is now hindered.

Many fishermen complain about the difficulties in meeting their families' needs due to the impact of this fencing, while fish farmers are also experiencing economic losses due to the disruption of vital seawater flows for their aquaculture ecosystems.

"Seal it off, have the Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries present there, so firm and measured actions must be taken," emphasized Pung, as reported by ANTARA.

3. Legal Violations in Coastal Fencing

The recently constructed 30-kilometer coastal fencing has faced sharp criticism for allegedly violating several important regulations, including Law Number 27 of 2007 and Minister of Marine Affairs and Fisheries Regulation Number 31 of 2021. The sea should belong to the public and be managed for the welfare of the community, not just for the interests of a few individuals.

Dr. Capt. Marcellus Hakeng Jayawibawa, a maritime observer, highlighted the weak oversight and law enforcement in coastal areas, asserting that access to the sea must be open for all, especially for traditional fishermen who heavily rely on these natural resources.

This fencing action not only violates the law but also creates tension between public and private interests, potentially increasing social inequality among coastal communities. "The sea is a public resource that must be managed for the welfare of the community. This fencing demonstrates a lack of understanding of that principle," stressed Marcellus Hakeng, as reported by Liputan6 Bisnis.

4. Ecological Impact of Coastal Fencing

Coastal fencing using bamboo and nets has serious impacts on our environment. These structures obstruct the flow of seawater, which is vital for maintaining the balance of coastal ecosystems, including coral reefs and mangroves that serve as habitats for various species.

As a result, marine habitats suffer damage, leading to a decline in biodiversity in the area. Furthermore, this disruption threatens fish populations that are a source of livelihood for coastal communities, while also undermining the sustainability of marine ecosystems that act as natural buffers against erosion and natural disasters.

The presence of this fencing not only harms the environment but also threatens a sustainable future for our coastal communities.

5. Solutions and Next Steps

In an effort to address the detrimental fencing issues that restrict public access to the sea, the government through the Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries has taken decisive action by sealing off violating locations and issuing stern warnings to the perpetrators.

However, this action needs to be supported by consistent law enforcement to prevent similar incidents from recurring in the future. Supervision in coastal areas must be enhanced, involving local communities as the frontline in managing marine resources. Additionally, the importance of education regarding public access to the sea must be promoted to prevent conflicts of interest.

Environmental rehabilitation is also a top priority to restore ecosystems that have been damaged due to fencing practices, with a sustainable approach that ensures marine resources are preserved for future generations.

6. What is the impact of sea fences on fishermen?

Sea fences have now become a barrier for fishermen, limiting their access to fishing-rich waters. As a result, operational costs have skyrocketed, while catch yields are increasingly declining, making their struggle amidst the waves of life even harder.

7. Why are sea fences in Tangerang considered illegal?

The sea fences that were built violate the provisions of the Coastal Zone Management Law and the Minister of Maritime Affairs Regulation that governs marine spatial planning, raising significant questions about compliance with existing regulations and their impact on our coastal ecosystems.

8. What are the solutions to address sea fencing?

The proposed solutions include strict law enforcement, sustainable ecosystem rehabilitation efforts, and strengthening monitoring and community education to create greater awareness.

(kpl/srr)