Appreciating the Government’s Firmness in Dismantling Sea Fences
By: Fajar Marendra )*
In an effort to maintain the sovereignty and sustainability of maritime resources, the government’s firm steps against violations of marine space utilization show a real commitment to upholding justice and environmental governance. Clearly displayed in the dismantling of sea fences in Bekasi waters, this policy not only supports legal principles but also provides space for fishermen to return to accessing the sea.
In this context, several high-ranking officials from the Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries, the Ministry of Agrarian Affairs and Spatial Planning, and the Indonesian Navy provided explanations and commitments to follow up on these violations.
Special Staff to the Minister of Marine Affairs and Fisheries, Doni Ismanto Darwin, stated that PT Tunas Ruang Pelabuhan Nusantara (TRPN) had violated the Conformity of Marine Space Utilization Activities (KKPRL) by carrying out reclamation without a valid permit. According to Doni, the area in Bekasi waters where the sea fence has been installed is included in the category of violations, so the Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries (KKP) will immediately dismantle the fence in order to restore the optimal function of the marine space. This step is a form of strict law enforcement and the government’s commitment to regulate the use of marine space.
The Director General of Marine and Fisheries Resources Supervision, Pung Nugroho Saksono, revealed that the action of sealing the sea fence in Bekasi waters was carried out due to the inability to obtain a permit for the Conformity of Marine Space Utilization Activities (PKKPRL).
He explained that the supervisory team had sent a warning letter on December 19, 2024 to TRPN to temporarily stop fencing activities. However, the results of the re-check showed that the excavator machine was still operating, which prompted his party to take sealing action to ensure that no further violations occurred. This consistent supervision commitment is a reflection of the government’s efforts to maintain compliance with regulations.
In the framework of regulating the use of marine space, the Minister of Agrarian Affairs and Spatial Planning and Head of the National Land Agency (BPN), Nusron Wahid, stated that next week his party would summon three companies related to the construction of the sea fence in Bekasi waters. This step is expected to follow up on any violations and ensure that the responsible parties receive appropriate administrative sanctions, so that there is no loophole for similar violations in the future.
The Chief of Staff of the Indonesian Navy, Admiral Muhammad Ali, emphasized that the process of dismantling the sea fence in the waters of Tangerang, Banten, has made significant progress. He explained that from the initial total length of 30.16 kilometers, only about 8 kilometers remain that have not been dismantled. This step is part of the Indonesian Navy’s commitment to helping fishermen overcome obstacles to sea access, as well as a direct implementation of President Prabowo Subianto’s direction which emphasizes the active role of the TNI in overcoming community difficulties. This effort not only shows the integrity of the military institution, but also solidarity in supporting the welfare of the people.
The Minister of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries, Sakti Wahyu Trenggono, emphasized that the target for completing the dismantling of the 30.16-kilometer sea fence is in about one week. He highlighted that violations of the use of sea space without permission are legal acts that must be dealt with firmly. By dismantling the sea fence, fishermen’s access to go to sea will be optimally reopened, while also supporting the government’s efforts to organize the use of marine space to be more orderly and in accordance with applicable regulations. This step is real evidence that the government is ready to enforce the law and provide solutions to the obstacles faced by the community, especially fishermen.
Overall, the series of government actions in following up on TRPN violations reflect the synergy between government agencies. Law enforcement carried out by the Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries, the Ministry of Agrarian Affairs and Spatial Planning, and the Indonesian Navy is not only aimed at stopping violations, but also to restore the function of the maritime ecosystem which is essential for the lives of fishermen and coastal communities. This firm policy also shows that the government always prioritizes public interests and environmental preservation, while still paying attention to the legality and orderliness of marine space.
This policy has received full support from President Prabowo Subianto, who emphasized the role of the TNI in helping the community overcome difficulties. His commitment can be seen from his instructions to the TNI and efforts to ensure that every government policy is in the interests of the people.
