Presidential candidate Anies Baswedan declared on Monday his intention to reimpose the ban on sea sand exports if elected in the 2024 presidential election, highlighting the detrimental environmental and economic consequences.

"For the sustainability of marine governance, we need to take a strong stance against illegal and unregulated activities in our seas. Stopping the exploitation of our sea that damages [the environment], including sea sand exports," Anies said, as reported by CNN Indonesia.

Speaking at the Food and Agricultural Summit at IPB University in Bogor, West Java, Anies emphasized his commitment to safeguarding Indonesia's sovereignty and natural resources by halting sea sand exports.

Previously in March, President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo lifted the ban on sea sand exports through Government Regulation (PP) No. 26/2023 on the management of marine sedimentation products.

The move sparked debates about the issue, as Indonesia had banned the practice for 20 years since then president Megawati Soekarnoputri’s time in office in 2003, when the government cited similar environmental concerns about coastal erosion and ecosystem damage.

While some argue for the economic benefits, environmental concerns regarding ecosystem damage and coastal erosion remain prominent.

Anies' stance aligns with those advocating for a ban, citing environmental protection and resource preservation as key priorities.

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