DPR Legislators Remind Local Governments To Strictly Supervise The Use Of Sea Space, Don't Control Private Beaches

Member of Commission IV DPR RI, Daniel Johan. Photo: Arief/vel

JAKARTA - Member of Commission IV DPR RI Daniel Johan reminded the Regional Government (Pemda) to be more assertive in regulating and supervising the use of marine and coastal spaces. In particular, related to coastal control by the private sector.

Daniel assessed that clear rules are needed regarding the management of coastal areas so that the development process still pays attention to environmental sustainability and community welfare aspects, without harming the existing ecosystem.

"The coast should not be controlled privately. Strict supervision of policy implementation is very important, and the local government must be responsible for taking firm action in the event of a violation," said Daniel Johan, Monday, March 17.

One of the cases highlighted by Commission IV of the DPR in charge of environmental and marine affairs is the construction of hotels, villas to restaurants that are massive on the seafront in Bali. Daniel said development remains important to be carried out to support the regional and national economy, but environmental ecosystems also need to be considered.

"That business to support the economy is important, but how the rules are made also by prioritizing environmental sustainability so that ecosystems and nature are maintained. Environmental sustainability must be considered for the sake of sustainability. So the role of the local government here is very important to be able to manage as well as possible," said Daniel.

As one of the sectors that is growing rapidly, Daniel also reminded hotel and resort businesses to understand and comply with the regulations that have been set.

According to him, existing policies must maintain a balance between economic development and nature sustainability. Because, said Daniel, both of them are important for the future of the nation.

"The clarity of the rules implemented from the start is very important so that there are no legal loopholes that can be utilized by certain parties and harm the community or the environment," said the legislator from the West Kalimantan (Kalbar) I electoral district.

According to Daniel, the determination of the coastal border boundaries is carried out to protect and preserve the function of the ecosystem and all resources in coastal areas and small islands, people's lives in coastal areas and small areas from the threat of natural disasters, space allocations for public access through the coast, and space allocations for water and waste channels.

"So it is the obligation of the regional head to ensure development that is based on a green economy," he explained.

On the other hand, Daniel said that Commission IV of the DPR will continue to monitor the implementation of rules for the use of marine and coastal spaces. The implementation of regulations that prioritize green economy development is said to be a global agenda as stated in one of the targets for the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), especially the 8th point.

"That countries in the world must support inclusive and sustainable economic growth, and be environmentally friendly. To realize a green economy, cooperation is needed between stakeholders, both the government in collaboration with the DPR, the private sector, and the community," said Daniel.

"Of course, supervision is important in implementing a policy. For this reason, Commission IV of the DPR will carry out strict supervision so that the economy continues to run but does not ignore the environment," he concluded.

Recently, Bali Governor Wayan Koster announced a firm policy regarding the arrangement of the tourism industry on the Island of the Gods. Some of the main points conveyed are the prohibition for hotels, villas and restaurants to control or close beach access, except for traditional ceremonies.

Koster emphasized that there are already regional regulations governing tourism accommodation on the seafront or beach. Violations will be dealt with in accordance with applicable regulations. This step is accompanied by the threat of sanctions for villas or spas used for the practice of prostitution and foreign tourists who trade or open businesses without a permit.

Furthermore, Koster also asked all business actors in Bali to have official permits and not to abuse the names of local residents for the business interests of foreigners. In addition, the Governor of Bali emphasized the importance of dominance of local workers in the tourism accommodation business sector, with the obligation to employ 90 percent of local workers.

In accordance with Presidential Decree No. 51 of 2016 concerning Coastal Border Limits, the Governor has the right to regulate coastal border boundaries. The regulation can be the basis for the local government to make regulations.