Evaluation of Reclamation Policy and Its Impact on Coastal, has become a prominent development strategy in many countries, including Indonesia. It involves the conversion of coastal or marine areas into new land for infrastructure, industry, housing, or tourism. While reclamation is often justified in the name of economic growth, it frequently comes at a high ecological cost.
Provides a comprehensive evaluation of reclamation policies and their significant impact on coastal ecosystems, with a special focus on legal frameworks, ecological consequences, and the need for sustainable alternatives.
Understanding Coastal Reclamation
Reclamation is the process of creating new land from coastal areas, wetlands, or seabeds. This is usually accomplished through the deposition of large volumes of soil, sand, or other materials. The primary objectives include expanding urban areas, building ports and airports, or supporting tourism and industry. In many cases, reclamation is driven by rapid urbanization and the scarcity of developable land near coastal cities.
Legal Framework and Policy Review
Indonesia reclamation policy is governed by a combination of national and regional regulations, most notably the Law No. 27/2007 on the Management of Coastal Areas and Small Islands, amended by Law No. 1/2014. These laws emphasize environmental protection, community involvement, and the sustainable use of coastal resources. However, in practice, implementation and enforcement are often inconsistent.
Permits for reclamation projects are typically granted by regional governments, often without thorough Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA) or genuine public consultation. As a result, many projects have proceeded despite strong resistance from local communities and environmentalists.
Ecological Impact of Reclamation Projects
Reclamation has profound and often irreversible impacts on coastal ecosystems. Coral reefs, mangrove forests, seagrass beds, and mudflats are among the most affected habitats. These ecosystems are vital for coastal protection, carbon sequestration, and the survival of numerous marine species.
The destruction of mangroves, for example, leads to the loss of nursery grounds for fish and crustaceans, while coral reef degradation disrupts biodiversity and marine food chains. Moreover, sedimentation caused by reclamation. Can reduce water quality and smother benthic organisms.
Impact on Coastal Communities
Coastal communities, particularly traditional fishers, are among the most affected groups. Reclamation often leads to the loss of fishing grounds, reduced fish stocks, and displacement due to land use changes. In many cases, these communities are excluded from decision-making processes and receive inadequate compensation or support.
Furthermore, the privatization of reclaimed lands limits public access to the sea, undermining cultural and economic ties that have existed for generations.
Case Studies, Jakarta Bay and North Bali
One of the most controversial reclamation projects in Indonesia is the Jakarta Bay reclamation. Planned to include 17 artificial islands, the project has faced significant criticism for violating environmental laws and exacerbating flooding risks in the capital.
Similarly, the proposed reclamation in North Bali has raised concerns among marine scientists and local residents, who fear the destruction of coral reefs and traditional fishing areas. Both cases highlight the urgent need to reassess the governance and environmental accountability of such projects.
Policy Gaps and Challenges
One of the main issues is the lack of a unified national policy on reclamation that integrates environmental, economic, and social considerations. Fragmentation between central and regional authorities also leads to conflicting priorities. Additionally, corruption and weak law enforcement often undermine environmental safeguards.
The absence of cumulative impact assessments. looking beyond project by project analysis, also contributes to the degradation of coastal zones. This makes it difficult to gauge the broader, long term impacts on biodiversity and coastal resilience.
The Need for Sustainable Coastal Management
Sustainable coastal development must prioritize ecological integrity and community rights. This includes strengthening environmental assessments, enforcing legal compliance, and promoting nature based solutions such as mangrove restoration or artificial reefs rather than land conversion.
Community based coastal zone management (CB-CZM) has shown promising results in some regions. By empowering local stakeholders and integrating traditional knowledge, CB-CZM offers a more equitable and sustainable approach to coastal development.
Recommendations for Policy Reform
- Strengthen the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) process with independent reviews
- Require meaningful community consultations before approving projects
- Enforce stricter penalties for environmental violations in reclamation activities
- Develop a national integrated coastal zone management policy
- Promote public access to environmental data and transparency in decision making
- Adopt green infrastructure and blue carbon strategies over land reclamation
Also Read : Ljubljana Sustainable Living Model
Rethinking the Future of Reclamation Policy
Reclamation policies must undergo significant reform to align with sustainability goals and protect vulnerable coastal ecosystems. Economic growth should not come at the expense of environmental degradation and social displacement. By adopting an integrated, science based, and participatory approach to coastal management, governments can ensure that development does not jeopardize the very ecosystems that sustain life and livelihoods.
As climate change intensifies the vulnerability of coastal regions, the urgency of responsible environmental governance becomes even greater. Now is the time to transition from exploitative to regenerative development paradigms, for the future of our coastlines, our communities, and our planet.