Headline:
Mysterious 30-KM Seawall Appears in Banten Coast; Origin Still a Mystery
Subhead:
The enigmatic barrier stretches across 6 districts, disrupting fisheries and tourism, but origin and permits remain unknown.
Article:
A colossal mystery unfolds along the Banten coast as a 30.16-kilometer (km) seawall has emerged, spreading across six districts and causing uncertainty among locals and authorities alike. Stretching from the districts of Kronjo, Kemiri, Mauk, Sukadiri, Pakuhaji, to Teluknaga, the seawall, made of materials like bamboo and cerucuk (a type of wood), towers at an approximate height of 6 meters.
The presence of this massive structure was first reported by locals on August 14, 2024. However, both local and central governments have expressed bewilderment, claiming no knowledge of its origin or ownership. Despite its size and obvious impact on the environment, no permits or authorization have been found for its construction.
The seawall’s appearance has brought challenges for local fishermen, making it difficult for them to catch fish. The seawall traverses through vital zones, including fishing grounds, tourism areas, and even planned locations for a future dam initiative by the National Development Planning Agency (Bappenas).
Eli Susiyanti, the head of Banten’s Maritime and Fisheries Agency (DKP), admitted that initial inspections revealed a 7-km seawall in early September. However, subsequent investigations found the seawall had grown to a staggering 30 km in length. "We’re still investigating the source and legitimacy of this structure," Eli stated at a discussion held in Jakarta.
Adding to the intrigue, Suharyanto, the Director of Coastal Space Planning at the Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries (KKP), expressed that they were unaware of the seawall’s origin. He mentioned that an investigation was underway, led by the Ombudsman, to shed light on this enigma.
The KKP Director further noted that any coastal reclamation projects would require proper permits and ecological assessments, which have not been provided in this case. The origin and purpose of this mysterious seawall remain a puzzle, leaving the coastal communities of Tangerang, Banten, in a state of disarray.
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