The administration on Friday summoned stakeholders, including those from ministries, agencies, universities and communities, to provide input to the strategic environmental assessment (KLHS), which forms the basis for developers to revise their Environmental Impact Analysis (Amdal).

The result of the discussion will be submitted to the Environment and Forestry Ministry next week at the soonest and later to the Agrarian and Spatial Planning Ministry.

Fajar Kurniawan of the Maritime Affairs and Fisheries Ministry called on the administration to guarantee the livelihood of fishermen living in the area and to pay compensation to residents affected by the project.

“Our suggestions include the development of a fishing port on one of the reclamation islets and new settlements for the fishermen nearby,” Fajar said.

(Read also: Ministry extends developers’ reclamation administrative sanction)

In addition, both the administration and developers should explain their plans to fishermen to avoid misunderstandings, Fajar added.

A report released in January by pressure group People’s Coalition for Fisheries Justice (KIARA) suggested the project would double costs incurred by fishermen and drastically decrease their catches, thereby taking a serious toll on their income.

Jakarta Development Planning Board (Bappeda) head Tuty Kusumawati admitted that many fishermen near the Jakarta Bay did not know the administration’s detailed plans to improve their livelihood.

“We will provide big vessels and equipment for the fishermen to catch fish to allow them to sail longer,” Tuty said, adding that the fishermen would be trained on skills and know-how about modern fishing methods.

According to Tuty, the administration will also provide low-cost apartments for the fishermen. Data from the Maritime Affairs, Fisheries and Food Security Agency show that around 2,100 fishermen live in North Jakarta.

Tuty said the administration was also considering to provide shelter for fishermen from outside Jakarta, most of whom lived on their boats.

Meanwhile, Denny Siahaan from the Transportation Ministry underlined that regular dredging would be necessary to maintain sea depth for big boats.

“The [sea] transportation system must be taken into account,” Denny said.

Even though many suggestions and concerns were voiced during the discussion, no stakeholder raised objections to the project. However, some parties that are opposed to the project, such as the Indonesian Traditional Fishermen’s Association (KNTI) and the Legal Aid Institute (LBH), were not invited.

“The LBH did not receive the invitation,” said LBH lawyer Tigor Hutapea, who is a member of a coalition opposed to the reclamation of land for a total of 17 islets.

The reclamation projects for Islets C, D and N were evaluated in June last year, while the Islet G project was halted. Many activists opposed to the project say it adversely affects the livelihood of fishermen, causes flooding and disrupts operations of the coal-fired power plant in Muara Karang.

Minister Siti Nurbaya Bakar previously said the relevant parties should fulfill certain requirements prior to proceeding with the project. The requirements include a revision of the Amdal taking into account technical designs for power plant pipes, sedimentation mitigation and sailing routes for traditional fishermen.

Recently, the City Council added two draft bylaws — the zoning of Jakarta’s coastal areas and small islands bylaw and the Jakarta north coast strategic area spatial planning bylaw, to its list for deliberation this year.

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