Ombudsman Reveals 4,000 Fishermen Loss Rp24 Billion Due To The Tangerang Sea Pagar Case

Banten Ombudsman Representative Head Fadli Apriyadi (left). (Photo: Capture Screen/Theresia Agatha)

JAKARTA - Head of the Banten Ombudsman Representative Fadli Apriyadi said the loss of fishermen due to the 30 kilometer sea fence in Tanjung Pasir, Tangerang Regency, reached Rp24 billion.

This was known after an investigation was carried out. Fadli said the loss had been suffered by fishermen since August 2024-January 2025.

"Based on our calculations, the minimum loss suffered by nearly 4,000 fishermen reached at least Rp. 24 billion," Fadli said at a press conference regarding the Allegation of Raising Legal Obligations related to the Construction of the Banten Sea Pagar in Jakarta, Monday, February 3.

The findings were based on several factors, such as the increase in the purchase of fuel by fishermen to the decrease in the catch of the sea fence.

"That's from the amount of fuel that increases between 4-6 liters of diesel per day, then the catch is reduced and the damage to the ship we calculated is at least Rp. 24 billion until the demolition is carried out," he said.

On the other hand, said Fadli, his party also concluded that the installation of the sea fence was maladministration.

He also appreciated the Banten Maritime Affairs and Fisheries Service (DKP) for acting quickly by visiting the sea fence installation site after reports from the public.

However, he regretted the efforts to revoke the Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries (KKP) which was considered too late even though there was already a decision from the Banten DKP.

"However, it took quite a long time until January 22 yesterday, the demolition was only carried out," said Fadli.

"With us understanding all its limitations from the resource side, the KKP has tried. However, this effort has not been maximized because it will take a long time to dismantle it," he continued.

In addition to the demolition, Fadli also asked the Banten DKP to re-coordinate with the KKP and law enforcement officials (APH) to follow up on alleged violations of sea space utilization in this case.

Fadli said that the installation of the sea fence on the coast of Tangerang Regency was indeed indicated to control the sea space.

Based on the investigation, the Ombudsman found that there was a demand for 370 hectares of girik land in Kohod Village, Pakuhaji District, Tangerang Regency.

The request for the girik is to become land of property rights.

"We believe there are strong indications that the existence of this sea fence is in the context of efforts to control the sea space," he explained.

"There is a request document or effort to control the sea space, of which 370 hectares were originally submitted in the Kohod area, some or all of which have been published," he added.

After receiving the land application in Kohod Village, continued Fadli, the same party again submitted requests for land covering an area of 1,415 hectares from 16 villages in six sub-districts.

According to Fadli, the findings were the same as the area of land related to the installation of a sea fence in Tangerang.

"The outermost line (of land requested) is exactly the same as the sea fence line. So, we believe that the emergence of this sea fence has a strong correlation with the application for rights at sea whose mode is how to raise the status of the girik to land," he explained.

Fadli revealed that this was known from a letter obtained by the Banten Ombudsman.

According to him, this kind of effort is included in indications of criminal acts and needs to be investigated.

"So, we encourage law enforcement officials to thoroughly investigate the indications of the crime and of course related to the application for permits must be investigated again because this involves 16 villages out of 6 sub-districts who submit letters for measurements and ensure whether it is indeed done in the sea space or not," he said.