Displaced Fishermen, Who Benefits From Sea Fence?

The Tangerang sea fence, which stretches for 30 kilometers, was finally lifted on the orders of President Prabowo. (Doc VOI)

President Prabowo Subianto firmly ordered: the mysterious 30-kilometer sea fence on the Tangerang coast must be dismantled. Not long after, the Indonesian Navy acted quickly. However, a big question arises: who exactly benefited from this project? This demolition is only the beginning of the long problem surrounding the Indonesian sea, where the rights of coastal communities are often ignored for the sake of a handful of elites.

Imagine, a fisherman wakes up early in the morning hoping to earn sustenance at sea, but finds access to the sea covered by a fence. Heru, a fisherman on Kronjo Island, Tangerang Regency, suffered heavy losses. His fishing gear was damaged, his number of catches also declined sharply.

The journey is difficult, you have to turn around. Joran is often stuck. Usually I get 10 kg of fish, now it's only 2 kg," Heru said, as quoted by VOI. Heru's story is just one example of the bitter reality that thousands of fishermen in Pantura may experience. The bamboo fence and nets that suddenly appeared stretched for 30 kilometers, blocking fishermen's access to fishing areas.

According to the Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries (KKP) and the Ombudsman, this fence not only violates the law but also destroys fishermen's livelihoods. They were never given notification or permission for the construction of the fence. Walhi even stated that this fence injures the right access of coastal communities to the sea, which should be guaranteed by the state.

Further investigations found indications of the involvement of large groups, including allegations related to national strategic projects (PSN) managed by major developers such as the Agung Sedayu Group. Although the developer quickly denied that the Indonesian Ombudsman revealed that there were allegations of serious maladministration in this project. Ironically, several village leaders are said to have given permission to build a fence without the residents' consent.

"How can a project of this size escape Polairud's observation?" said Deputy Chairman of Commission III of the DPR, Hinca Panjaitan. Then, why did the new apparatus act after this case went viral in the media. Does the government's attention only arise after public pressure? This phenomenon shows the weakness of the monitoring and rapid response system in this country.

The marine fence polemic does not only occur in Tangerang. In Bekasi, similar fences appear in the form of cooperation between the West Java government and the private sector. This case indicates that this problem is systemic. Without transparency and strict supervision, development policies continue to sacrifice the weak party.

Walhi said this fence should not only destroy marine ecosystems but also emphasize the inequality of power between the small people and owners of large capital. The sea should become a public space, not owned by individuals or corporations. When this access is seized, fishermen lose their livelihoods, and the sustainability of marine resources is threatened.

Although the President has ordered demolition, is this step sufficient? The regulation of fishermen's protection and the environment still looks weak. Without systemic changes, similar fences have the potential to reappear under the pretext of strategic projects'.

This case is a real portrait of greed. This fence is not only about bamboo or nets that blow the sea, but also about the right to life of fishermen who are ignored. When this fence is lifted, it is not only the sea space that is free, but also the hopes of small communities to live a better life.

As a maritime nation, Indonesia must ensure that the sea remains a source of life for all, not only a handful of elites who hide behind large projects. We really welcome the sea fence being demolished, however, we are also waiting for an official statement who is the party responsible behind the construction of the sea fence? The cost of making the fence for tens of kilos does not feel cheap.