According to director general of maritime and fisheries resources monitoring Rear Admiral Adin Nurawaluddin, there is indication of unauthorized use of small islands by PT PB, as it lacked the four required permits.
The permits in question are the document on agreement on activities at sea, business permit, permit to use small islands for foreign investment, and permit to conduct water tourism in a conservation area.
"According to investigation reports, PT PB has been confirmed to have committed violation against the use of small islands because it has no document on agreement on activities at sea, business permit, permit to use small islands, and permit to use the conservation area. Thus, on Friday, March 10, the Maritime Affairs and Fisheries Ministry forcibly stopped all activities of PT. PB in Anambas District for a certain period of time," he noted in a statement received here.
He also remarked that the forced shutdown is a follow up to reports from the National Audit Board (BPK) on PT PB, with the latter being indicated of unauthorized use of small islands that did not meet the applicable law.
Prior to sealing the place, his administration had sent two written warnings to the company back in 2022. However, the lack of response prompted the ministry to summon the company's management.
"In accordance with instruction from Mr. Maritime Affairs and Fisheries Minister Sakti Wahyu Trenggono, the use of sea must be conducted in accordance with the applicable regulation, so as to prevent ecological damage, as is stipulated in the Ministry's Regulation Number 53 of 2020 on permit to use small islands for foreign investment," Nurawaluddin explained.
He pointed out that the company had been sanctioned with multiple charges, including with articles from Government Regulation in Lieu of Law on Job Creation as well as with the ministerial regulation.
He affirmed that the ban on the company's operation would be lifted once they have received the necessary permits for their business activities.
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Translator: Ilham Yude P, Mecca Yumna
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
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