TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries (KKP) has questioned Kohod village chief Arsin bin Asip and 13 local fishermen regarding the 30.16-kilometer-long sea fence in the waters of Tangerang Regency, Banten. In addition to lacking the required Marine Spatial Utilization Approval (PKKPRL), the bamboo fence has reportedly disrupted local fishermen, forcing them to take detours when heading out to sea.

Doni Ismanto Darwin, special staff to the Minister of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries, stated that the ministry’s Special Police for Coastal and Small Island Management (Polsus PWP3K) continues to investigate the matter. “On January 30, 2025, the KKP summoned the Kohod village chief and 13 fishermen for questioning,” he said in Jakarta on Friday, January 31, as quoted by Antara.

Doni explained that the questioning is part of an administrative sanction process, in accordance with maritime and fisheries regulations, including Government Regulation (PP) No. 21 of 2021, PP No. 85 of 2021, and Ministerial Regulation No. 31 of 2021.

He said that the questioning, which took place at the Directorate General of Marine and Fisheries Resources Surveillance (PSDKP) headquarters, builds on a prior inquiry involving two representatives from the Pantura People’s Network (JRP) on January 21.

To date, the ministry has questioned a total of 16 individuals regarding the unauthorized sea fence.

Doni did not disclose the identities of those questioned or the specific details of their testimonies, citing the ongoing nature of the investigation. “Previously, we questioned two individuals, and now we have added the village chief and 13 fishermen,” he said.

He added that further questioning will take place as the KKP continues to gather evidence from the village chief and other fishermen.

Doni stressed that the ministry is conducting the investigation professionally, transparently, and in accordance with legal procedures. “The KKP is ensuring that this entire process is carried out under the applicable regulations to uphold fairness and order in the management of marine space,” he stated.

The bamboo sea fence, stretching 30.16 kilometers across the waters of Tangerang Regency, has sparked significant controversy. Minister of Agrarian Affairs and Spatial Planning/National Land Agency (ATR/BPN) Nusron Wahid has confirmed that Building Use Rights (HGB) and Freehold Title Certificates (SHM) were issued for the fenced-off area.

President Prabowo Subianto has ordered the Indonesian Navy to dismantle the sea fence in Tangerang. The removal was carried out by a joint team comprising the Navy, the National Police, the KKP, and local fishermen.

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