Indonesian Authorities Dismantle Illegal Sea Fence in Banten
In a bid to uphold maritime laws and protect the marine ecosystem, Indonesian authorities recently took action to remove an extensive illegal sea fence spanning the waters of Tangerang district, Banten. Commodore I Made Wira Hady, the head of the Indonesian Navy’s Information Office, revealed that a staggering 18.7 kilometers of the unauthorized structure, originally measuring 30.16 kilometers, has been successfully dismantled.
Collaboration and Challenges
Working in tandem with officials from the Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries, local police officers, and fishermen from the region, the Indonesian Navy (TNI-AL) launched a concerted effort to eliminate the sea fence encroaching on the coasts of Teluknaga, Mauk, and Kronjo sub-districts. Despite these joint efforts, a significant stretch of 11.46 kilometers of the illegal barrier still remains, posing a challenge to the ongoing removal operation.
Navigating through Obstacles
The extraction process, led by the TNI-AL, involved the deployment of various types of vessels, including two patrol ships, six sea riders, five rigid buoyant boats, and two rigid-hulled inflatable boats. However, the removal efforts faced obstacles due to inclement weather conditions and the presence of floating fish cages, which impeded the movement of the naval vessels.
Mysterious Discovery and Legal Implications
The discovery of the illegal sea fence, sealed off by the Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries on January 15, 2025, sparked bewilderment among government officials and the public alike. President Prabowo Subianto swiftly issued orders for the Indonesian Navy to commence the removal of the sea fence, stretching across 16 villages in six sub-districts. The Ministry of Agrarian Affairs and Spatial Planning (ATR) also shed light on the legal intricacies surrounding the sea fence, revealing that it encroached upon 263 parcels of submerged land with right-to-build (HGB) and ownership certificates.
Certificates and Rectification Efforts
These certificates were linked to PT Intan Agung Makmur and PT Cahaya Inti Sentosa, subsidiaries of the Agung Sedayu Group, the developer behind the Pantai Indah Kapuk 2 satellite city project. Minister Nusron Wahid of the ATR disclosed that the government had revoked around 50 certificates associated with the illegal sea fence, with the remaining certificates under scrutiny for further review.
The removal of the illegal sea fence in Tangerang district marks a significant step towards preserving the marine environment and upholding legal boundaries in Indonesia’s coastal regions. The collaborative efforts of various government agencies, law enforcement, and local communities underscore the collective commitment to safeguarding the nation’s maritime resources for future generations.
