Jakarta (ANTARA) - The Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries (KKP) discovered extensive environmental damage, allegedly caused by illegal mining activities, during an inspection of Citlim Island, Karimun District, Riau Islands.

This damage can potentially disrupt the coastal ecosystem and endanger the sustainability of local marine resources.

The ministry's Director General of Marine Management, Koswara, stated that the inspection team found one company with a valid mining permit (IUP) still conducting sand mining, while two other companies had ceased operations as their IUPs had expired.

"The KKP also found massive damage at the location where the IUP was issued, which could disrupt the coastal ecosystem of Citlim Island, as the mining activity was carried out in the coastal boundary area," Koswara stated on Thursday.

He explained that the inspection results would be followed up with supervision and action by the KKP Directorate General of Marine and Fisheries Resources Supervision (PSDKP).

He remarked that this inspection is a form of law enforcement measure in coastal areas and small islands that are vulnerable to illegal exploitation.

Koswara emphasized that mining is not a priority activity on small islands according to Law Number 1 of 2014 concerning amendments to Law Number 27 of 2007 on the Management of Coastal Areas and Small Islands.

Mineral mining activities are prohibited if they cause damage, pollution, or harm the community, especially since small islands are vulnerable ecosystems.

Director of Coasts and Small Islands Ahmad Aris noted that Citlim Island, with an area of 22.94 square kilometers, is classified as a very small island as it is under 100 square kilometers.

"Exploitative activities that alter the landscape are prohibited due to their impact on the surrounding marine ecosystem," Aris explained.

Mining restrictions on small islands are reinforced with the issuance of Decision Number 35/PUU-XXI/2023 concerning the material testing of Law Number 1 of 2014 concerning amendments to Law Number 27 of 2007 on Management of Coastal Areas and Small Islands on March 21, 2024.

The decision has had a positive impact by ensuring that the utilization of resources on small islands must align with established priorities and cumulatively meet the requirements of environmental sustainability, as stipulated in Law Number 27 of 2007. It also strengthens the position of Law Number 27 of 2007, making it the basis for sustainable and non-discriminatory rule-based utilization of small islands.

Minister of Marine Affairs and Fisheries, Sakti Wahyu Trenggono, earlier emphasized that small islands play a major role in maintaining the sustainability of marine and fisheries ecosystem.

To this end, the ministry issued a regulation on the utilization of small islands and the surrounding waters through the Regulation of the Minister of Marine Affairs and Fisheries Number 10 of 2024, as a commitment to strengthening the protection of marine and coastal ecosystems in Indonesia.

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Translator: Muhammad Harianto, Resinta Sulistiyandari
Editor: Azis Kurmala
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