Sapto Yunus, Jakarta – Deputy Minister of Home Affairs Bima Arya Sugiarto has stated that his ministry will investigate allegations that Kohod village chief Arsin bin Asip was involved in issuing Building Use Rights (HGB) for the sea fence in Tangerang Regency's waters.
Apart from lacking Marine Spatial Utilization Approval (PKKPRL), the 30.16-kilometer bamboo fence has also caused hardship for local fishermen by forcing them to reroute their fishing paths.
"The Home Ministry will certainly investigate and take action if there was any violation of the oath of office," Bima said after attending an event by the Election Organizer Ethics Council (DKPP) in Central Jakarta on Thursday, January 30.
Minister of Agrarian Affairs and Spatial Planning/National Land Agency (ATR/BPN) Nusron Wahid previously confirmed the issuance of HGB and SHM certificates for the fenced area.
Bima stated that relevant authorities are welcome to process the village chief's alleged involvement in the case, which has sparked public debate in recent weeks.
Speculation about the village chief's role emerged after a video circulated on social media showing him inspecting the construction of the sea fence in Tangerang waters. In the one-minute clip, Arsin appears to be directing workers on where to install the bamboo fence.
However, Arsin has denied any involvement. "I outright reject those allegations. How could I possibly be giving instructions when I don't even know those people? I only went there because local community leaders informed me about the fence," he said in Tangerang on Monday, January 20.
– Ade Ridwan Yandwiputra, Jihan Ristiyanti, and Antara contributed to the writing of this article.