Potentially Damaged Yogyakarta Ecological Area, Expert: Revoke Beach Club Development Permit Raffi Ahmad!

Illustration. (Photo: Doc. Antara)

JAKARTA - The plan to build the Raffi Ahmad Beach Club on Krakal Beach, Yogyakarta turned out to be problematic because it was built on a geological protected area. Even the Indonesian Environmental Forum (WALHI) stated that the project funded by PT Agung Rans Berhaja Indonesia (ARBI) could have an impact on the environment.

Trisakti University Criminal Law expert Abdul Fickar also highlighted this. He argues, if it is proven that there is a violation and potential environmental damage, the government must revoke the beach club construction permit.

"If the WALHI report is true, then with the results of this proof, the government must revoke all permits that have been issued on the project," he said in Jakarta, Tuesday, December 27.

Fickar pum requested that the government conduct an investigation regarding reports from WALHI, either the permit has not been issued or has been issued from the local government.

"The government has tools, both in the form of institutions and experts, there is even the Ministry of Environment and Forestry. This means that the WALHI report can be investigated and researched before the permit is issued or has been issued," he said.

According to him, the research carried out must involve the community, including WALHI so that the results in addition to legitimacy are also aspirational. In addition, if proven, law enforcement officers must examine the officials who issued the permit.

"Because this is an ecological protected area, so officials must be examined whether there is a potential for bribery or corruption in the process of disbursing permits for the construction of the beach club," he said.

Previously, WALHI highlighted the potential environmental damage related to the plan to build a beach club of PT Agung Rans Berhaja Indonesia (ARBI) by Raffi Ahmad and Arbi Leo.

Head of WALHI Campaign Division Elki Setiyo Hadi stated that the development could exacerbate drought in the Kapanewon Tanjungsari area.

"The construction of the resort, which will begin to be built in 2024 and will be completed in 2025, will further worsen the drought in Kapanewon Tanjungsari," said Elki.

The Raffi Ahmad Beach Club project on Krakal Beach is included in the East Gunung Sewu Natural Karst Bentangan Area (KBAK), which is a geological protected area.

WALHI also reminded about the potential impact of beach club development on the capacity and carrying capacity of water in the Tanjungsari area, as well as the risk of flooding and landslides.

"With the vast construction of Raffi Ahmad's beach club, it is possible that it will damage the area of karst rocks in the vicinity," he said.

However, Raffi Ahmad still has not provided a definite answer regarding the criticism from WALHI.

"Yesterday there was also the regent. Later, yes, this must go first," said Raffi Ahmad.

He admitted that he only found out about WALHI's criticism. "Later, we will ask again what it looks like. I also just found out from my friends. Not yet, not yet," he said.

"Later, when you start to be told. (300 villas) God willing, the name will also try," he said.