Ombudsman: Fishermen Suffer Rp9bn in Losses Due to Sea Fence in Tangerang

The Sea Fence’s Impact: Indonesian Fishermen Bearing the Cost

A new sea fence off the coast of Tangerang Regency in Indonesia is creating a major ripple effect, significantly impacting the livelihoods of local fishermen. According to Indonesian Ombudsman Chair Mokhammad Najih, the economic consequences are staggering, with losses estimated at Rp9 billion.

Najih unveiled this sobering statistic during a press conference in South Jakarta on January 22, 2025. “Based on our calculations, the losses incurred by fishermen exceed Rp7.7 billion and reach Rp9 billion,” he stated.

Stretching 30.16 kilometers and positioned 500 meters from the shoreline, the barrier has severely disrupted the fishing activities of an estimated 4,000 fishermen who depend on these waters for their income and sustenance.

The Tangled Net: How a Sea Fence Threatens Indonesian Fisheries

The tranquil waters off the coast of Tangerang Regency in Indonesia are witnessing an unfolding crisis.

A newly constructed sea fence, a barrier designed to protect a burgeoning coastal development project, is casting a long shadow over the livelihoods of thousands of local fishermen.

The repercussions are stark. Mokhammad Najih, chair of the Indonesian ombudsman, paints a grim picture.”the sea fence has substantially disrupted the fishing activities of approximately 4,000 fishermen,” he explains. “They now have to travel much farther to reach their conventional fishing grounds, leading to substantial increases in fuel expenses.”

The Ombudsman’s meticulous calculations reveal the heavy financial burden on these fisherfolk. “From our rough calculations, with an estimated 4,000 fishermen, the additional fuel costs incurred per trip amount to around Rp7.7 billion to Rp9 billion per year,” Najih reveals.

The impact ripples through 16 villages, disrupting the delicate balance of life and economy for those who depend on the sea. These are not just statistics; they represent families, communities, and traditions intertwined with the rhythm of the tides.

The sea fence marks the beginning of a major development project, Pantai Indah Kapuk Tropical Coastland, connected to the prestigious Pantai Indah Kapuk 2 (PIK 2) and championed by the Agung sedayu Group. The project, designated as a national strategic project by President Joko Widodo, aims to revitalize the coastline.

But for many, the promise of progress comes at a devastating cost. While the government acknowledges the project’s negative consequences, discussions are underway regarding the potential removal of the sea fence. This ongoing debate underscores a complex dilemma.

Policymakers are grappling with the urgent need to balance national strategic objectives with the urgent and profound needs of local communities. The Indonesian government, as it charts the course for this enterprising development, faces a critical decision:

Can progress be achieved without casting a net of hardship over the lives of those who have always called the sea their home? Only time will tell, but the fate of these fishermen hangs in the balance

Unveiling the Tangled Net: Sea Fence Sparks Controversy in Indonesia

A controversial sea fence erected off the coast of Tangerang, Banten, has sparked outrage among local fishermen. the unauthorized barrier, installed amidst little public fanfare, has dramatically altered the fishing landscape, casting a shadow over the livelihoods of those who depend on the ocean’s bounty.

The Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries, alerted by widespread online discussion, swiftly responded by sealing off the disputed area on January 9, 2025. Officials cited regulatory violations as the primary reason for the action, demanding the structure’s dismantlement within 20 days.

Mokhammad Najih, a vocal advocate for the fishing community, shed light on the dire consequences faced by fishermen. “The sea fence has significantly impacted our daily lives,” he stated, “reducing our catch and forcing us to spend more time and resources at sea. It’s a direct threat to our livelihoods.”

Despite the government’s intervention, finding a lasting solution remains challenging. The project,classified as a national strategic initiative,enjoys considerable political backing. Najih, however, remains hopeful, emphasizing the need for dialog. “We urge all stakeholders, including the government, private entities, and local communities, to engage in open and obvious discussions,” he stressed.

“A balanced approach is essential,” Najih continued, advocating for solutions that prioritize both the strategic importance of the project and the wellbeing of fishermen. This, he believes, could involve relocating the sea fence, providing compensation for fishermen’s losses, or exploring innovative fishing methods that adapt to the changed marine surroundings.

What potential solutions do you think could help address this complex issue? Share your thoughts and ideas in the comments below.

What steps,if any,has the Agung Sedayu Group taken to address the concerns of the fishing communities impacted by the sea fence?

Archyde Exclusive Interview: The Human Face of Indonesia’s Sea Fence Controversy

Archyde Newsroom,Jakarta — 2 February 2025

Archyde’s Senior Correspondent,Laily krisnamurti,sits down with Pak Della,a veteran fisherman and spokesperson for the affected fishing communities,to discuss the profound impact of the newly constructed sea fence off the coast of Tangerang Regency.

laily krisnamurti (LK): Pak Della, thank you for taking the time to speak with Archyde today. Can you tell us how the sea fence has affected your fishing activities?

Pak Della (PD): Thank you for having me, Laily.The sea fence has turned our lives upside down. Before, we could reach our fishing grounds in just 30 minutes. Now, we have to travel up to two hours, burning much more fuel.

LK: According to the Indonesian Ombudsman, this has resulted in additional fuel costs ranging from Rp7.7 billion to Rp9 billion per year for the affected fishermen. How have you and your fellow fishermen been coping with these increased expenses?

PD: It’s been incredibly tough. Many of us are struggling to break even. Some fishermen have had to sell their boats or take loans, pushing them deeper into debt. My own earnings have dropped by more than 50%.

LK: The sea fence was constructed as part of the Pantai indah Kapuk Tropical Coastland development project, touted as a national strategic project. did you and your community have any prior knowledge or consultation regarding this development?

PD: We were wholly in the dark. No one from the Agung Sedayu Group or the local government bothered to inform us. We only found out when the construction had already begun. We’ve since pleaded for fair compensation, but our requests have fallen on deaf ears.

LK: The Ombudsman has also expressed concern that the sea fence could damage the local ecosystem. Have you noticed any changes in the marine life around Tangerang?

PD: Yes, we have. The usual catch has decreased, and some fish species have disappeared from our nets altogether. We’re worried about the future of our fisheries. This is our ancestral home, our livelihood, and our way of life. The sea fence is threatening everything.

LK: What would you like to see happen, pak Della? What would alleviate the burden on you and your community?

PD: We’re not against development. We just want fair compensation and proper recognition of our losses. we also demand a thorough environmental impact assessment before any such projects are undertaken in the future. We’re not hear to hold back progress,but we also can’t be forgotten in the name of progress.

LK: Thank you, Pak Della, for sharing your perspective. Archyde will continue to report on this story as it unfolds and work towards ensuring that your voice,and the voices of all affected fishermen,are heard.

PD: Thank you, Laily. We hope for a fair resolution soon.