TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Center of Economic and Law Studies (Celios) has released a comprehensive report analyzing the government's decision to reopen the sea sand export. The study highlights Government Regulation (PP) No. 26 of 2023, which is deemed a potential catalyst for the destruction of marine ecosystems, increased coastal erosion, damaged coral reefs, and a consequent loss of marine biodiversity.

In addition to its detrimental impact on marine ecosystems, Celios Executive Director Bhima Yudhistira believed that sea sand mining could plunge Indonesia into a blue carbon crisis. He emphasized that the damage is difficult to reverse in the long term.

“Indonesia will lose the potential of its blue carbon and blue economic ecosystems if the exploitation of sea sand continues,” Bhima warned.

He noted that the government is currently exploring the optimization of carbon credits, valued at US$65 or Rp994.5 trillion. “Meanwhile, Indonesia is estimated to possess 17 percent of the world's blue carbon potential, equivalent to 3.4 gigatons,” he outlined.

Bhima suggested that the government should opt for a shift towards sustainable coastal and marine development, arguing that it would yield far greater benefits than the practice of sea sand export, which damages the blue economic ecosystem.

As quoted in the Koran Tempo on Tuesday, October 1, 2024, Bhima emphasized that Indonesia's seas harbor the potential to contribute 17 percent of the total global blue carbon reserves. He cautioned that sea sand mining would pose a significant threat to coastal areas, particularly mangrove-planted beaches.

“This means, the exploitation of sea sand will inevitably lead to a decline in blue carbon potential. Sea sand mining will severely impact the coastal mangrove ecosystem,” Bhima said on Monday, September 30, 2024.

He highlighted the government's ongoing efforts to reduce national greenhouse gas emissions. According to the Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) data, Indonesia has set a target of reducing emissions by 32 percent or 912 million tons equivalent to carbon dioxide (CO2e) by 2030.

Due to the reopening of sea sand exports, Bhima deemed the government's emissions reduction targets as unattainable. “It is impossible to ambitiously pursue carbon credits while simultaneously implementing policies that inflict damage upon the seas and coast,” he concluded.

M. RAIHAN MUZZAKI | PETIR GARDA B

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