Tangerang, Indonesia Sentinel — The Indonesian Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries (KKP) has imposed a hefty administrative fine of IDR 48 billion (approximately $3 million) on Arsin, the village chief (Kepala Desa) of Kohod, for unauthorized construction of a Sea Fence Tangerang, Banten. Through his legal counsel, Yunihar, Arsin has rejected the fine, claiming the charges lack a strong legal basis.
“Our response is that the statement by the Minister of Marine Affairs and Fisheries is unfounded. All claims made by the Minister are not backed by sufficient grounds,” Yunihar stated in Tangerang on Saturday, March 1, 2025.
Disputed Charges and Legal Response Sea Fence Tangerang
Yunihar emphasized that his client has not yet received any official notice from the KKP regarding the case.
“As of now, we have not been informed of the legal basis or received a formal indictment, so we are unable to provide a detailed response,” he said.
Despite contesting the fine, Arsin and his legal team expressed respect for the ministry’s authority. However, they criticized the lack of direct communication regarding the penalty.
“Even so, we acknowledge their role. However, until today, my client has not been officially informed. We only learned about it through media reports. Once we receive the official notice, we will discuss and respond accordingly, especially considering my client is currently in detention,” Yunihar added.
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Government’s Stance on the Fine
Indonesian Minister of Marine Affairs and Fisheries, Sakti Wahyu Trenggono, confirmed that Arsin and his staff have been given a 30-day deadline to settle the fine.
“He has a maximum of 30 days to pay. He has also declared his commitment to fulfilling this obligation,” Trenggono stated, as quoted by Antara News Agency.
The fine relates to the unauthorized construction of sea fence Tangerang along the northern waters of Tangerang. During a parliamentary hearing, Daniel Johan, a member of Indonesia’s House of Representatives (DPR) Commission IV, pressed the minister for further details regarding the case.
Trenggono further disclosed that the ministry is conducting an investigation to identify other potential actors involved in the unauthorized project. The inquiry involves collaboration with law enforcement agencies, including Indonesia’s Criminal Investigation Agency (Bareskrim Polri).
However, Trenggono declined to confirm whether additional individuals or entities would be held accountable.
The case continues to develop as authorities work to determine the full extent of legal violations and potential environmental consequences stemming from the construction.
The controversy surrounding the Kohod Village sea fence Tangerang highlights broader concerns regarding unregulated coastal development in Indonesia. If upheld, this case could set a precedent for stricter enforcement of marine and fisheries regulations to protect Indonesia’s coastal ecosystems.
(Becky)
