Headline:
Mysterious 30-Km Sea Barrier in Tangerang Bay Under Scrutiny: Ministry Inspects Unauthorized Structure
Article:
JAKARTA – In an unexpected turn of events, the Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries (MMAF) has launched an investigation into a mysterious 30.16-km long sea barrier in Tangerang Bay, spanning from Desa Muncung to Desa Paku Haji. The unexpected presence of this barrier, revealed to be a bamboo fence nearly 6 meters high and draped in black netting, has sparked curiosity and concern among local authorities and residents alike.
In a swift response, the Director-General of Marine Resource Supervision at the MMAF, Pung Nugroho Saksono, led an inspection on Thursday, January 9, 2025, at 4:30 PM WIB, using the PSDKP patrol boat Hiu Biru 03, accompanied by Polisi Khusus (Polsus) PSDKP personnel. Upon arrival, they discovered a red prohibition banner stretched across the barrier, displaying a stern warning: "Cease Unauthorized Sea Enclosure Activities."
The barrier’s existence has been confirmed to be relatively old, as it is already covered in green moss at its base and has been in place since August 2024, according to the Head of the Banten Province Maritime and Fisheries Agency, Eli Susiyanti. "When we first received information about sea enclosures, it was from the Chairman of the North Sumatera Fishermen’s Association," she revealed during a public discourse at the MMAF headquarters on Tuesday, January 7.
In response to the situation, Minister of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries Sakti Wahyu Trenggono has deployed the Director-General of Marine Resource Supervision to examine the scene firsthand, verifying if the barrier is supported by the necessary permits. If found guilty of operating without proper authorization, stern warnings will be issued to the responsible parties. "We’re currently verifying if they possess the required permits," Trenggono asserted while attending the revitalization of idle ponds in Karawang on the same day. "If they don’t, we will issue a warning."
