Tangerang, Indonesia Sentinel — A massive misterious sea fence stretching 30.16 kilometers (18.7 miles) from Muncung to Pakuhaji in Indonesia’s Tangerang Regency has captured public attention and concern. Constructed from bamboo, the structure rises 6 meters (20 feet) above the water, reinforced with woven bamboo mats, paranet mesh, and sandbag weights.
Inside the fenced area, simpler box-shaped structures have also been erected, adding to the mystery surrounding its purpose and origin.
Eli Susiyanti, the head of the Marine and Fisheries Office (DKP) in Banten Province, revealed that the fence spans 16 villages across six districts:
- Kronjo District: three villages
- Kemiri District: three villages
- Mauk District: four villages
- Sukadiri District: one village
- Pakuhaji District: three villages
- Teluknaga District: two villages
This sprawling sea barrier intersects key zones designated for public use under Regional Regulation No. 1 of 2023. These include areas earmarked for seaports, fisheries, tourism, energy development, aquaculture, and even a proposed offshore reservoir project initiated by Indonesia’s National Development Planning Agency (Bappenas).
Discovery and Investigation
The DKP first learned about the fence on August 14, 2024. An inspection five days later found 7 kilometers (4.3 miles) of fencing already in place. Further investigations on September 4-5 involved a joint team from the Marine Resources and Fisheries Surveillance Directorate (PSDKP), the DKP, and local officials. At that time, the fence had grown to over 13 kilometers (8 miles). By the latest inspection, the barrier spanned the full 30.16 kilometers (18.7 miles).
Eli noted that no permits or recommendations had been issued by local authorities for this construction. Neither subdistrict officials nor village leaders were aware of its origins. Although initially, no complaints were lodged by the local population, the structure soon began to disrupt coastal livelihoods.
Impact on Coastal Communities
The fence has significantly affected the lives of the region’s 3,888 fishers and 502 aquaculture farmers, many of whom depend on these waters for their income. The National Board of Traditional Fishers (KNTI) alleges that the barrier was erected without the knowledge or consent of the coastal communities it impacts.
Miftahul Khausar, a representative of KNTI, expressed concerns that the sea fence could be a precursor to land reclamation or large-scale development projects. Such initiatives often displace traditional fishing communities and disrupt fragile marine ecosystems.
“Fisherfolk in the area have no clarity on why such a large and extensive fence has been built. It raises fears of a hidden agenda, possibly for reclamation or other major projects,” Miftahul explained.
Calls for Action
In response to the escalating situation, DKP Banten has collaborated with multiple agencies, including the Indonesian Navy, the Police’s Water and Air Unit (Polairut), and the Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries (KKP). Officials have urged the cessation of further construction and pledged to investigate the fence’s purpose and those behind its creation.
Despite these efforts, the lack of transparency surrounding the sea barrier has only fueled speculation and mistrust. DKP Banten has called for greater involvement from local and national stakeholders to address the issue comprehensively.
Legal and Environmental Concerns
The mystery of the 30-kilometer fence raises serious legal and environmental concerns. Under Indonesian law, any activity affecting public coastal areas requires prior approval and an environmental impact assessment. The apparent absence of both in this case has heightened fears that the barrier violates existing regulations.
Moreover, the fence threatens biodiversity in the coastal waters of Tangerang. Such structures can disrupt marine habitats, block migration routes for aquatic species, and alter the natural flow of sediment and water currents.
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Broader Implications
This case highlights the broader challenges facing Indonesia’s coastal regions, where traditional livelihoods often clash with modern development ambitions. It also underscores the need for stricter oversight and community involvement in projects affecting shared resources.
Moving Forward
As investigations continue, the mystery of the Tangerang sea fence remains unresolved. For now, the structure stands as a stark reminder of the tensions between development and conservation in Indonesia’s rapidly changing coastal landscapes.
(Becky)
