Hanin Marwah, Jakarta – The Indonesian Ombudsman Chair, Mokhammad Najih, has revealed that fishermen in Tangerang Regency have suffered losses amounting to approximately Rp9 billion due to the construction of a sea fence in the region. This figure, he said, was determined based on an investigation conducted by the Ombudsman team.
"[Based on] our calculations, the losses incurred by fishermen exceed Rp7.7 billion and reach Rp9 billion," said Najih during a press conference at his office in South Jakarta on Wednesday, January 22, 2025.
He explained that the sea fence, which extends across the northern coastal waters, has a detrimental impact on fishermen as it hinders fishing activities. Fishermen are forced to travel longer distances to reach their fishing grounds, resulting in increased fuel consumption.
His team's calculation considered the number of fishermen residing along the coast, the estimated fuel consumption per fishing trip with an estimate of 20 days at sea per month, and the resulting financial burden on the fishing community.
"From our rough calculations, with an estimated 4,000 fishermen, the additional fuel costs incurred per trip amounted to Rp7.7 billion to Rp9 billion per year," Najih explained.
The 30.16-kilometer-long sea fence, located 500 meters from the shoreline, impacts 16 villages and affects the livelihoods of approximately 4,000 fishermen. The Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries acknowledges the negative impact of the sea fence, and discussions regarding its removal are still ongoing.
The starting point of the sea fence is in Tanjung Burung Village in Teluknaga District, adjacent to Pantai Indah Kapuk 2 (PIK 2), a development by the Agung Sedayu Group. From there to Kronjo, Makdis Adhari village on the west coast of Tangerang, Agung Sedayu planned to build the Pantai Indah Kapuk Tropical Coastland, a national strategic project designated by President Joko Widodo in March 2024. Due to its proximity to PIK 2, the Tropical Coastland project is often referred to as an extension of PIK.