Caring for Fishermen, President Prabowo Committed to Dismantling Sea Fences

By: Andi Mahesa )*

One of the concrete steps currently being pursued by the government is the dismantling of sea fences that have so far hampered fishermen’s access to earn a living. Under the leadership of President Prabowo Subianto, the government has shown its firmness and concern for the fate of fishermen through the action of dismantling sea fences in a number of coastal areas. This policy is expected to be able to open access for fishermen and coastal communities to return to making a living in a decent way, as well as ensuring the sustainability of the marine ecosystem.

One of the important actions that has been taken is the dismantling of sea fences in the waters of Tangerang, Banten, which involved various parties, including the Indonesian Navy, Polairud, and local fishermen. The Head of the Indonesian Navy Information Service, First Admiral I Made Wira Hady, explained that the Indonesian Navy has dismantled 20.7 kilometers of sea fences out of a total of 30.16 kilometers located in three coastal areas of Tangerang.

The dismantling was carried out by involving around 256 personnel and a number of equipment such as rubber boats, fishermen’s boats, and other equipment. President Prabowo Subianto himself gave clear instructions for all sea fences that obstruct fishermen’s activities to be immediately dismantled, so that their access to fish is open again.
The dismantling of the sea fence is part of an effort to restore the rights of fishermen and coastal communities who have been burdened by injustice. These sea fences are often controlled by certain parties who use sea land for personal gain without considering the rights of coastal communities. With the dismantling of the sea fence, fishermen can now go to sea without being hindered by illegal ownership of sea land.
The Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries (KKP) also showed the same commitment in the process of dismantling the sea fence. Special Staff to the Minister of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries, Doni Ismanto Darwin, explained that KKP is synergizing with a special police team in dismantling the sea fence in the waters of Bekasi, West Java. Previously, the Directorate General of Marine and Fisheries Resources Supervision (PSDKP) of the Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries has followed up on unlicensed sea fencing activities, including those made of bamboo, which of course harm the local community and fishermen.

The synergy between the Indonesian Navy, Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries, Polairud, and fishermen in the field shows that there is good coordination between related institutions to resolve this problem. The dismantling of the sea fence is also accompanied by clear legal steps, so that coastal communities not only receive direct defense, but also a deep sense of justice. The Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries ensures that this entire process is carried out in accordance with applicable provisions, so that there are no violations of the law in carrying out this dismantling.

The government’s firm steps in investigating and dismantling the sea fence have received appreciation from various parties. This action also shows that the state is present to defend the common people, especially fishermen who have been made difficult by irresponsible parties. The dismantling of the sea fence carried out together with hundreds of fishermen and personnel from the Indonesian Navy and the Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries provides new hope for fishermen and other coastal communities.

This firm action by the government is not only to dismantle the sea fence, but also as a symbol of the state’s presence in upholding justice. Parties who have seized the rights of coastal communities must be held accountable. This dismantling is an important moment for communities who have felt the negative impacts of illegal control of marine land.

With a strong commitment from President Prabowo Subianto and support from various institutions and related parties, the dismantling of the sea fence is not just a technical action, but also an important step to create social justice for coastal communities. Fishermen who have been hampered by illegal fencing can now return to sea in peace. In addition, this dismantling also supports the sustainability of the marine ecosystem, which in turn also supports the lives of fishermen and coastal communities in the long term.

President Prabowo, with his commitment to the welfare of the people, has shown his firmness in implementing this policy. The dismantling of the sea fence is a real manifestation of the government’s efforts to defend the rights of the people, especially fishermen, who are often marginalized. In the future, it is hoped that similar steps can be taken to ensure that no party seizes the rights of coastal communities for personal gain.