Policy on Sea Sand Exports Draws Public Ire

Sand exploitation through seabed mining practices has raised concerns, with the Maritime Affairs and Fisheries Ministry warning that sand exports should not be pursued arbitrarily at the expense of environmental damage.

KOMPAS/PANDU WIYOGA

A tugboat and a barge carrying sand from Citlim Island, Moro District, Karimun Regency, Riau Islands, were confiscated by the Maritime Security Group Fleet Command I and taken to the Indonesian Navy Base in Batam, Riau Islands, Thursday (25/7/2019).

JAKARTA, KOMPAS — The government’s lifting of a 20-year old ban on the export of sand dredged from the seabed, the decision on which is contained in Regulation No. 26/2023 on the management of marine sedimentation, has led to concerns about potential environmental damage.

The regulation states that what can be utilized is sea sand and/or other sedimentary material in the form of mud. Sea aggregates are procured to cater to domestic needs for reclamation and infrastructure construction. Exports are allowed as long as domestic needs are fulfilled in accordance with the statutory provisions.