Ombudsman Estimates Public Losses Due to Sea Barrier in Tangerang at $1.5 Million

JAKARTA, Investortrust.id – A recent investigation by a government watchdog has revealed that the construction of a massive sea barrier in Indonesia is negatively impacting the livelihoods of nearly 4,000 fishermen resulting in estimated losses of north of $1.5 million. 

 The Ombudsman, through its Banten Provincial Representative Office, has released the findings of its independent investigation into the construction of a 30-kilometer sea barrier in Tangerang Regency.

According to Banten Ombudsman Representative Head Fadli Afriadi, the investigation revealed that the sea barrier has significantly impacted nearly 4,000 fishermen in the area.

“Based on our calculations, the estimated minimum losses suffered by nearly 4,000 fishermen amount to at least Rp 24 billion ($1.5 million),” Fadli said at a press conference at the Ombudsman’s office in Jakarta on Monday, Feb 3, 2025.

He explained that this figure is based on several assumptions. The barrier has forced fishermen to consume an additional 4–6 liters of diesel fuel per day, leading to higher operational costs. Other losses include reduced fish catches and damage to fishing boats. “The minimum estimated loss stands at Rp 24 billion until the barrier is dismantled, covering the period from August 2024 to January 2025,” he stated.

However, Fadli noted that the Ombudsman had not conducted a comprehensive census in its investigation and did not obtain detailed numerical calculations. The estimated losses were derived from interviews with affected fishermen. “We conducted interviews with several fishermen whom we believe represent the overall impact experienced by the community,” he said.

 

Public Complaints

Fadli revealed that the Ombudsman’s investigation was initiated following public complaints received on Nov 28 and Dec 2, 2024. These reports alerted the agency to the existence of the sea barrier in Kronjo District, Tangerang Regency.

Prior to this, the Ombudsman had already received information from the Banten Provincial Marine and Fisheries Department (DKP) about the sea barrier in Kronjo, which the department had reportedly ordered to be dismantled. “However, on November 28, we received new information indicating that the barrier was still in place,” he said.

Following these reports, the Banten Ombudsman Representative Office, accompanied by Ombudsman Member Yeka Hendra Fatika, conducted a field visit and inspection of the sea barrier on December 5, 2024. “We carried out a legal review, examined document copies, conducted two field visits, and gathered expert testimonies,” he concluded.