Indonesia opens investigation
The Indonesian government isn’t backing down. Officials are digging deeper into the mysterious 30-kilometer sea fence in Tangerang, Banten. The Tangerang sea fence, which also stretches across 16 villages in six sub-districts, has raised legal and environmental concerns.
The Coordinating Minister for Infrastructure and Regional Development, Agus Harimurti Yudhoyono (AHY), confirmed on Friday that the probe will continue. “It is currently being investigated. I have told the ministry to do so,” he said at a public discussion in Jakarta.
Officials want answers. Who built the fence? Why was it allowed? And most importantly, did it violate maritime laws?
Legal Action and Land Revocations
The Agrarian Affairs and Spatial Planning Ministry has already taken action. Six employees were fired. Two others faced heavy sanctions. Minister Nusron Wahid said the punishments were necessary.
But that’s not all. Authorities revoked 50 land use rights (SGHB) and 17 land ownership rights (SHM). Some of these belonged to PT Intan Agung Makmur, a company under the Agung Sedayu Group, also owned by businessman Sugianto Kusuma, also known as Aguan.
Wahid said the certificates did not comply with legal requirements. “Our review of land boundaries and coastlines showed violations,” he explained. Other land titles are still under examination.
Concerns Over Maritime Sovereignty
The government wants to prevent any individual or company from controlling Indonesia’s maritime territory. AHY made this clear.
“We must make sure that no one can do as they please,” he said. He also stressed that regional development must follow spatial planning laws.
“For example, do not convert all rice fields into housing or industry,” he added.
The controversy has sparked public outrage. How could such a massive project happen without oversight? The answer is unclear, but authorities are determined to get to the bottom of it.
Tangerang Sea Fence Sealed and Removed
On January 15, the Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries sealed off the Tangerang fence. The move also came after confusion and concern spread among officials and the public.
Four days later, the Indonesian Navy (TNI-AL) stepped in. Under President Prabowo Subianto’s orders, they began dismantling the structure. So far, 18.7 kilometers of the fence have been removed.
Officials say the remaining sections will also be taken down. The government has vowed to take action if the fence is officially deemed illegal.
Ministry Enforces Spatial Planning Regulations
AHY emphasized that regional development must align with spatial planning policies at all levels—national, provincial, and district. Authorities also aim to prevent land mismanagement, which can lead to legal disputes and environmental damage. The government is reviewing existing land use regulations to avoid similar cases in the future.
What Happens Next?
Authorities are still investigating. More land revocations could follow. Legal action may be taken against those responsible.
The case has also raised broader concerns. How many other unauthorized structures exist along Indonesia’s coastlines? Also what loopholes allowed this fence to be built in the first place?
For now, the government is sending a clear message. Maritime sovereignty is not up for sale. And those who break the rules will face consequences.
