Antara, Jakarta – A decision by the Indonesian government to reopen sea sand export has been met with opposition from experts and environmental groups. The government justifies the decision by claiming the sand is a result of natural sedimentation.
An economic expert from the University of Mataram, Ihsan Ro'is, argued that exporting sea sediment abroad could be disadvantageous for Indonesia in the long run. "We export a substantial amount of sand to Singapore, and this is not profitable," he said in Mataram, West Nusa Tenggara, last Wednesday.
Ihsan explained that Singapore has been using Indonesian sea sand to reclaim its coastline, effectively expanding its land area. The country's size has increased by 25% from 578 square kilometers to 719 square kilometers.
"This land reclamation could have adverse effects on our coastline and territorial seas. It poses a threat to our sovereignty," Ihsan warned.
He urged the government to conduct a thorough study to assess the economic benefits and costs of sea sediment exports. The current non-tax state revenue or PNBP generated from these exports, a 5% levy on the value of exported sediment, is not economically profitable for the country.
Moreover, Indonesia as an archipelago faces numerous environmental challenges, including climate change, rising sea levels, damaged aquatic ecosystems, and the sinking of small islands. Dredging sea sediment and exporting it can further exacerbate these issues. The costs of environmental restoration could far outweigh the revenue gained from exports.
Ihsan further emphasized the need for comprehensive studies by the government on sea sediment exports. He criticized the lack of detailed scientific research available to the public, which hinders informed discussions. "[The government] should not create policies by revoking old policies without proper study," he asserted.
Indonesia had banned sea sand exports for 20 years to mitigate environmental damage and the loss of small islands. The current export regulation is outlined in Government Regulation Number 26 of 2023. The Trade Ministry claimed that the policy only allows exports only after domestic needs are met.