Examining Sea Border Disputes through a Constitutional Lens
In a recent development, Almuzzammil Yusuf, a member of the MPR RI Assessment Body, highlighted the controversy surrounding sea borders in the Banten Sea. He emphasized the need to assess this issue within the framework of implementing Article 33, Paragraph 3 of the 1945 Constitution. This particular article stipulates that “the earth and water and the natural resources contained therein are controlled by the state and utilized for the greatest prosperity of the people.”
Yusuf’s analysis underscores the MPR’s commitment to upholding the mandate of the 1945 Constitution to actively safeguard the sovereignty of the nation’s land from various encroachments. This includes efforts to prevent the monopolization of the country’s natural resources by specific domestic parties or even foreign interests. He further stated, “This effort is in line with the attention given by various parties, including President Prabowo Subianto’s directive to the Ministry of Maritime Affairs and the Indonesian Navy to revoke the ‘legitimacy of sea borders’.”
MPR’s Role in Safeguarding National Interests
Yusuf commended the proactive stance taken by the DPR’s Commission IV, which directly intervened at the sea border site and addressed the issue with great concern. He emphasized the significance of the MPR’s involvement in the sea border matter, as it reinforces national unity and the institution’s authority to oversee the constitutional mandate, particularly regarding Article 33 of the 1945 Constitution.
By turning the sea border issue into a moment of collective action to protect the nation’s natural wealth, Yusuf stressed the importance of ensuring prosperity for all Indonesians, rather than benefiting a select few or succumbing to foreign interests.
TNI Navy’s Decisive Action
Recently, the Indonesian Navy (TNI AL) dismantled sea borders in the waters of Tangerang, Banten, covering a total length of 13.9 kilometers. This operation, conducted in collaboration with maritime agencies and local fishermen, aimed to dismantle illegal sea barriers hindering fishermen’s access to livelihood opportunities.
Commander First Admiral I Made Wira Hady Arsanta Wardhana of the TNI AL’s Public Relations stated that the dismantling of the 13.9-kilometer sea border was divided into three locations. The concentrated efforts at Tanjung Pasir, Kronjo, and Mauk involved approximately 450 personnel from the TNI AL, Polairud, Bakamla, and local fishermen.
Overcoming Challenges for a Common Goal
Despite challenging weather conditions with high winds and waves, the joint team successfully removed bamboo barriers anchored 1.5 to 2.5 meters deep in the sea, with a water depth of about 1 meter. These obstacles did not deter the collaborative efforts of the team and local fishermen to eliminate the menacing sea borders.
Wira emphasized that the ongoing dismantling process aimed to expedite the restoration of fishermen’s access to the sea. This initiative aligns with the directive of the Chief of Staff of the Navy, Admiral Dr. Muhammad Ali, urging TNI AL personnel to collaborate closely with relevant maritime agencies to address the difficulties faced by fishermen in meeting their livelihood needs.
Empowering Communities through Maritime Collaboration
The coordinated efforts of the TNI AL, maritime agencies, and local fishermen in dismantling sea borders exemplify a shared commitment to promoting the welfare of Indonesia’s coastal communities. This joint endeavor not only safeguards national interests but also fosters a spirit of unity and cooperation in addressing maritime challenges for the collective benefit of the nation.
