Headline:
Mystery 30-KM Long Sea Wall in Tangerang Sparks Alarm; Minister Urges action
Article:
In a striking development, the Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries (KKP) has issued a strong statement regarding a mysterious 30-kilometer long sea wall in Tangerang, Banten, calling for immediate action. The structure, which spans coastal waters, has raised serious concerns due to its potential impacts on marine ecosystems and public access.
Kusdiantoro, Secretary of the Directorate General for Sea Spatial Management and Marine Spatial Planning, emphasized that using marine space without a fundamental permit for sea spatial utilization (KKPRL) is a violation of the law. The appearance of the sea wall, he said, indicates attempts by individuals to unlawfully claim land rights in marine areas.
The unauthorized sea wall poses multiple threats. It could lead to the concentration of power by a single entity, blocking public access, privatizing marine space, destroying biodiversity, and even altering the function of marine areas.
Moreover, Kusdiantoro stressed that this practice does not align with international standards set by the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS 1982). He underscored the shift towards a permit-based system, in line with the Constitutional Court’s Decision No. 3/PUU-VIII/2010, to ensure that marine spaces remain a common, fair, and open resource for all.
Hery Susanto, a member of the Indonesian Ombudsman, echoed the need for cross-institutional collaboration to address this issue. The Ombudsman, he noted, can investigate potential misconduct, including the issuance of Sea Certificate of Ownership (SMH) in marine areas, with findings serving as grounds for further legal action.
Rasman Manafi, Chairman of the Indonesian Coastal Management Experts Association (HAPPI), highlighted the injustice of such sea wall constructions, calling for stricter monitoring to prevent marine space privatization and ensure community involvement in management.
Sumono Darwinto, Director of Monitoring of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries Resources at the KKP, added that similar offenses occur in various regions without KKPRL. Offenders can face administrative penalties, including fines and demolition.
Eli Susiyanti, Head of the Banten Coastal and Small Islands Agency, disclosed that the mysterious sea wall in Tangerang has hindered thousands of fishermen and fish farmers. However, the government is yet to identify the wall’s owners.
Paberio Napitupulu, a land expert, suggested that the Ministry of Agrarian Affairs and Spatial Planning/National Land Agency (ATR/BPN) can revoke the certificates issued administratively inversal to ensure that only terrestrial areas can be privately owned.
Suharyanto, Acting Director of Marine Spatial Planning, emphasized the need for monitoring to prevent marine space privatization, stating that issuing SMH in marine areas contradicts the 1945 Constitution as it threatens traditional community rights.
The KKP has been investigating the case since September 2024, using satellite imagery and geotagging recordings from the past 30 years. The analysis confirmed that the area had never been land or sediment-dominated, but rather marine-based.
The ministry’s stance underlines the importance of responsible marine spatial management, ensuring that marine resources benefit everyone while preserving marine ecosystems and culture.
Source: CNN Indonesia
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