Bandung, IndonesiaSentinel.com — Indonesia’s President, Joko Widodo, through the Ministry of Trade (Kemendagri) has officially reopened its sea sand export market following the release of two new regulations. While this move has sparked public attention, President Joko Widodo emphasized that the exported commodity is not sea sand, but rather marine sediment.
Although they are related, these materials serve different ecological functions and are used for various industrial purposes. So what’s the difference between them?,
Sea Sand: Definition, Location, and Uses
Sea sand consists of small particles formed from the erosion of rocks and marine organisms due to wave and current action. It is primarily found along coastlines, shallow seabeds, and tidal zones. The composition of sea sand is largely derived from weathered rock, making it a key component in the formation of coastal landscapes.
- Location: Sea sand is widely distributed across shallow seabeds, river deltas, and tidal zones, with large quantities found near coastlines. It also exists in deeper ocean areas, although in lesser amounts.
- Physical Properties: Sea sand typically consists of coarse, hard grains with a uniform size. Its color varies depending on the source rock, ranging from white to brown or black. This coarse texture helps stabilize shorelines and protect coastal areas from erosion.
- Ecological Role: Sea sand plays a vital role in coastal ecosystems by absorbing wave energy, thereby reducing beach erosion. It also provides a habitat for various marine organisms and contributes to the stability of coral reefs and other critical ecosystems.
- Industrial Use: Beyond its ecological significance, sea sand is widely used in industries like construction, especially in concrete production. It is also utilized in reclamation and beach replenishment projects.
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Marine Sediment: Definition, Location, and Ecological Roles
Marine sediment, on the other hand, is a broader category that encompasses a wide range of materials deposited on the ocean floor. These include sand, mud, gravel, and both organic and inorganic particles. Sediment can originate from land erosion, volcanic activity, and the remains of marine organisms.
- Location: Marine sediment is found across the ocean floor, from shallow coastal waters to the deep sea. In shallow waters, sediment typically consists of sand and mud, while deeper regions contain a more varied mix, including volcanic rock fragments and the remains of marine life.
- Physical Properties: Marine sediment varies in size and composition. Fine materials like mud and clay are more common in deep-sea environments, while coarser sediments like gravel and sand are typically found closer to shorelines.
- Ecological Role: Marine sediment serves as a reservoir for nutrients and organic material, making it a crucial component of ocean ecosystems. It also provides valuable insights into historical climate change, volcanic eruptions, and tectonic movements, which are stored in sediment layers.
The Relationship Between Sea Sand and Marine Sediment
From a geological perspective, sea sand is a subset of marine sediment. While marine sediment includes a variety of materials found on the ocean floor, sea sand refers specifically to coarser particles, primarily found in coastal areas. It’s important to note that not all marine sediment is composed of sand sediment also includes mud, gravel, and organic material that varies greatly in size.
Indonesia’s Sea Sand Exports
President Joko Widodo has issued Government Regulation No. 26 of 2023 concerning the Management of Marine Sedimentation. With one of the key components of this sedimentation is sea sand.
Indonesia’s Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources, Arifin Tasrif, stated that the export of marine sediment, including sea sand, is being conducted to ensure the safety of large vessels docking in Indonesian waters, while also providing economic benefits. He added that the sediment being exported is material that, if left unmanaged, could reduce the capacity of coastal and marine ecosystems, ultimately harming ocean health.
(Raidi/Agung)
