Sea Fence Case In Tangerang, Banten DKP Value Ombudsman Ignores Community Reports

Illustration (Photo: Doc. ANTARA)

The Indonesian Ombudsman of Banten Province assessed that the Banten Province Maritime Affairs and Fisheries Service (DKP) carried out maladministration in the form of neglect of reports of sea fences in the waters of Tangerang Regency, Banten.

Banten Ombudsman Representative Head Fadli Apriyadi said his party received initial reports on November 28, 2024 and December 2, 2024, regarding the existence of sea fences.

However, long before that date, his party had received information from the Banten Maritime Affairs and Fisheries Service (DKP) about the existence of a sea fence in the Kronjo area, which had also been previously stopped by the Banten DKP.

"However, on November 28, we received information that (the sea fence) was still there. So, on December 5, 2024, we together with Mr. Yeka Hendra Fatika visited the field and checked the existence of the existing sea fence," said Fadli in a press conference on the Allegation of Raising Legal Obligations related to the Construction of the Banten Sea Pagar in Jakarta, Monday, February 3.

Fadli assessed that maladministration occurred in the form of neglecting the legal obligations of the Banten DKP in following up and resolving public complaints.

"We appreciate the efforts that DKP has made when receiving public reports, immediately conducting field visits, stopping when it was still 10 kilometers long. Coordinating with the KKP, but it took quite a long time until January 22 yesterday, the demolition was carried out," said Fadli.

"We understand that with all its limitations both in terms of resources and all kinds of things, the KKP has tried. However, it turns out that the effort has not been maximized with the fact that it will take a long time for demolition and length (sea fence) to increase compared to when stopped," he added.

Then, the neglect caused economic losses to the people suffered by nearly 4,000 fishermen with a value of around Rp. 24 billion.

Therefore, the Banten Ombudsman requested that the Banten Province DKP complete the demolition of the sea fence in the waters of Tangerang Regency.

"We ask DKP to encourage and complete the control of the demolition of the current sea fence. The latest information, right, is about 11 kilometers, so that it can be completed," he said.

Second, the Banten Ombudsman requested that the Banten DKP coordinate with related parties, both the Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries (KKP) and law enforcement officials (APH) to follow up on indications of violations of sea space utilization.

This, both administratively and criminally, is one of the efforts to enforce the law on prevention and provision of a deterrent effect.

"We also understand that the regional surveillance function is not only DKP, but also vertical agencies and other central agencies that have duties there. However, however, in accordance with the law that 12 miles of marine space are indeed the responsibility or authority of the local government," he said.