Fishermen protest National Strategic Project in West Java

Hundreds of fishermen and coastal community groups, including members of the Indramayu Coastal Community Coalition (Kompi), Jatayu, and Walhi, protested at the Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries in Jakarta. The protesters are demanding the cancellation of a National Strategic Project (PSN) aimed at revitalizing fish ponds along the northern coast of West Java.

Participants argue the project lacks community involvement and transparency, specifically noting that Environmental Impact Assessment (AMDAL) documents have not been made public. Concerns were raised regarding ecological impacts, including the potential narrowing of mangrove areas, increased river and coastal pollution, and threats to traditional livelihoods. The project, which covers over 20,000 hectares across Bekasi, Karawang, Subang, and Indramayu, is intended to increase productivity, but residents are calling for the protection of their management rights and coastal ecosystems.