Hanaa Septiana, Jakarta – The National Strategic Project (PSN) plan for Surabaya Waterfront Land (SWL) has been rejected by local fishers who fear losing their homes and livelihoods.

The central board of the Indonesian Traditional Fishermen's Union (KNTI) said that the SWL Integrated Coastal Area Project had been imposed as a PSN.

"At least 12 fisher's villages in Surabaya will be affected by this project," Misbahul Munir, head of advocacy and fisher's protection, told Tempo on Wednesday, September 4.

Surabaya Waterfront Land (SWL) is a project with PT Granting Jaya (Kenjeran Park) as the developer. Work on the project has been approved by President Joko Widodo to manage and carry out reclamation activities on the east coast of Surabaya.

The project covers an area of 1,085 hectares and includes the construction of islands A, B, C, and D, which will be built in the fish-catching and protection zone of the city of Surabaya.

Fishermen at risk of losing their livelihoods

Munir said the dozens of villages affected are Nambangan, Cumpat, Kejawan, Kenjeran, Sukolilo, Larangan, Kalisari, Keputih, Tambak Wedi, Bandarejo, Tinjang and Wonorejo. There are about 8,000 fishing households in the area.

According to him, the fisherfolk are at risk of losing their livelihoods as their sea areas are vanishing, being turned into land. The economic chain of the fishing sector will also be adversely affected.

"Politicians should also take this into consideration. Especially the mayor of Surabaya," said Munir.

Munir said that this project is a form of oppression and confiscation of the livelihood of the fisherfolk. The government and businessmen always prioritize big investments, and consequently, coastal communities are increasingly marginalized. The coastal culture of Surabaya is also in danger of being wiped out.

"This demonstrates how the state neglects to protect traditional fishers who have nurtured their living environment for generations," says Munir.

Source: https://en.tempo.co/read/1912942/knti-surabaya-waterfront-project-will-affect-12-fishing-village