Indonesia Launches Large-Scale Operation to Remove Sea Barriers in Tangerang

JAKARTA, Investortrust.id – Indonesia’s ministry overseeing fisheries and marine resources, together with the Navy and other maritime agencies, has commenced a significant operation to dismantle sea barriers in Tangerang, Banten. More than 2,500 personnel joined the effort to remove the bamboo structures disrupting local fishermen's activities.

The Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries (KKP), under Minister Sakti Wahyu Trenggono, initiated the operation at the Tanjung Pasir Naval Post on Wednesday, January 22, 2025. Minister Trenggono emphasized the importance of this effort to address the grievances of fishermen and restore their access to the maritime area.

“This initiative, attended by all stakeholders with vested interests in this maritime area, marks the commencement of dismantling these sea barriers,” Trenggono said during the event.

The dismantling operation aims to remove the 30.16-kilometer-long bamboo barriers, which have disrupted the livelihoods of local fishermen. Minister Trenggono assured that investigations are underway to identify those responsible for erecting the barriers. He also highlighted ongoing collaboration with agencies such as the Ministry of Agrarian Affairs and Spatial Planning and the Banten Regional Government.

“From a legal standpoint, we are continuing the investigative process and will report the progress to our parliamentary partners at Commission 4 of the House of Representatives,” Trenggono added.

The operation, spanning 16 villages, involves more than 280 vessels. The KKP deployed 11 ships, including patrol vessels, tugboats, and sea riders, along with 460 personnel. Other participants included the Navy, local government authorities, and agencies such as the Water and Air Police, the Directorate General of Sea Transportation, and the Indonesian Maritime Security Agency.

The barriers are being dismantled by pulling them out with ropes attached to boats, ensuring that the bamboo stakes submerged underwater are completely removed to prevent environmental hazards. The entire process is expected to take up to 10 days to complete.