A coalition of groups against land reclamation in Jakarta Bay has demanded that the government phase out all activities related to the megaproject while continuing legal steps against alleged irregularities.

The coalition includes the Jakarta Legal Aid Institute (LBH Jakarta), Indonesian Traditional Fishermen’s Association (KNTI), People’s Coalition for Fisheries Justice (KIARA), Indonesian Forum for the Environment (Walhi), Indonesian Center for Environmental Law (ICEL) and Women’s Solidarity.

The groups further demanded that Governor Basuki “Ahok” Tjahaja Purnama revoke all land reclamation permits so that the government could review the area and conduct a comprehensive environmental assessment on developing the city’s northern coastline.

“The land reclamation has caused various environmental, cultural and economic problems. These negative effects caused by the project must be restored and the legal process against violators must continue,” KNTI legal head Martin Hadiwinata said on behalf of the coalition.

During a moratorium on such projects, he went on, the government should not only conduct an environmental assessment but also ensure that the development of Jakarta’s shore involved locals — not only fishermen but all those whose livelihoods depend on the sea.

Martin added that all assessments and activities carried out during the moratorium must be made publicly available.

Walhi legal and executive policy manager Muhnur Satyahaprabu stated that a land reclamation moratorium should be implemented across the archipelago, as other areas also suffered similar environmental, legal and social problems. He said the central government should take legal steps to stop land reclamation completely.

Around a dozen fishermen from Muara Angke, who have been working off North Jakarta for decades, proved their existence by displaying a recent catch and their equipment during a press conference at the LBH Jakarta office following a statement from Ahok that fishermen no longer existed in Jakarta.

The fishermen asserted that their livelihoods had been significantly affected since the land reclamation projects commenced. KNTI secretary Kuat said that for the last two years, fishermen in Muara Angke had faced many difficulties.

Kuat said that before the land reclamation projects began, most fishermen traveled for less than 24 hours, using 10 liters of fuel, to catch fish and return to Muara Angke.

However, for the last two years, fishermen have typically needed 40 liters of fuel and three days to fish before returning to shore.

“Before the land reclamation started, fishermen could find their catch just five to 10 meters from the shore. Now, the fishermen must sail to Karawang in West Java or to Banten,” Kuat said on Tuesday.

He said there were still some fish left in Jakarta Bay, but fishermen needed to travel further to find them. The seafood in the area, he added, included kembung (mackerel) and green mussels.

KNTI fisherman Khalil said the group called on the government to be attentive and fight for fishermen’s rights instead of only accommodating developers and upper-income residents.

“We are residents of Jakarta and part of Indonesia, and the government should protect us just as much as it protects other residents,” Khalil said.

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