Ombudsman Highlights Maladministration Of National Strategic Projects In Tangerang Regency, Losing Fishermen

The Indonesian Ombudsman monitors seagaring for one kilometer from the shoreline on Pulau Berhitung, Tangerang Regency, Thursday (5/12/2024). (ANTARA/HO-Ombudsman Banten)

The Ombudsman representing Banten Province highlighted maladministration allegedly profiteering of the national strategic project area (PSN) in the Kronjo Village area and Muncung Village, Tangerang Regency.

The area suspected of profiteering PSN was carried out by fencing the sea one kilometer from the Kronjo beach, as well as closing the waterway in Muncung Village.

Head of the Banten Province Ombudsman Representative Fadli Afriadi said the area's maladministration was indicated by the loss of the living community as fishermen and farmers.

"Indications that people are disadvantaged by the current situation are very real," said Fadli in Serang, Tuesday, December 17, quoted by Antara.

Fadli said layered fencing of the area is estimated to cause a loss of around Rp. 8 billion per year to fishermen in the area.

Losses are also indicated by ship fuel which usually requires two liters of diesel, now having to consume five liters of diesel.

After holding an audience with local residents on December 5, Fadli revealed a glimpse of information from the public, some claimed to be paid Rp. 100,000 per night to build a fence.

The Department of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries of Banten Province, said Fadli, has stated that the fasting activity is illegal. However, according to public information, the budgeting is increasing.

Meanwhile, in Muncung Village, the Banten Ombudsman received a public report that the area, which was originally a river, has now cut off its water flow.

"The report was not made up, because it was checked through Google Maps that the river in the Muncung Village area really exists," said Fadli.

The area of the pond affected is about two hectares. However, due to this activity, only one hectare was harvested.

"Even though in a year the harvest can be at Rp. 20-30 million. Now it can't be harvested anymore because the water flow is closed," said Fadli.

Fadli said that his party would further investigate whether an in-depth investigation of maladministration was needed.

Because in this problem, it involves areas that become PSN and PIK2.

"Is it a PIK project or not? That's a question. Is it PIK PSN or not? That's a question again, because not all PIKs are PSN," he said.

Therefore, the Banten Ombudsman needs clarity from all parties suspected of being involved in the maladministration. So that people do not become victims rather than PSN.

"This is what needs to be number one, that's clear information first. How do we take an assessment if the information is not clear," said Fadli.

"So there is no clarity. We hope that because PSN is a government program, the government will convey this area, so it doesn't get confused. If this confusion is dangerous," he said.