Bintan and Lingga Fishermen Reject Planned Seabed Sediment Dredging in Fishing Grounds

Fishermen in Bintan and Lingga are questioning the designation of marine sedimentation management sites in several waters of the Riau Islands. They argue that some of the locations are not shipping lanes experiencing siltation, but rather fishing grounds for coastal communities. Rudi Herdawan, Chairman of the Bintan and Lingga Fishermen’s Alliance, said fishermen do not reject sediment clearance activities if they are carried out in shipping channels. “If it is indeed to clear sedimentation in shipping lanes, we have no objection. The problem is, the locations to be worked on are places where fishermen catch fish,” he told reporters on Friday (17/7). According to him, company activities are still at the sampling stage. However, the sampling vessel is suspected to have been operating around small islands that have coral reefs and are fishing spots for anglers. The sampling is also said to be conducted at night using a large-capacity suction vessel. The large volume of material taken has raised concerns that the activity resembles sea sand mining. “What we see is no longer just taking samples. The vessel is large and the material taken is enormous,” he said. The Alliance estimates that around 20,000 fishermen in Bintan could be affected if the dredging is carried out. In Lingga, the impact is feared to be felt by most coastal communities who depend on the sea for their livelihood. Fishermen believe the dredging could damage coral reefs, eliminate fish habitats, increase water turbidity, and narrow fishing areas. The activity of barge vessels transporting material is also feared to threaten the safety of traditional fishing boats. The plan refers to Government Regulation Number 26 of 2023 concerning the Management of Marine Sedimentation Results and the Decree of the Minister of Marine Affairs and Fisheries Number 16 of 2024. Under these provisions, several waters in Karimun, Lingga, and Bintan have been designated as sedimentation management areas. The area in the Riau Islands is said to cover approximately 3.03 billion square metres with a potential material volume of around 9.09 billion cubic metres. Based on the alliance’s investigation, at least 12 companies are said to be planning to operate around the waters of Numbing Island. Four companies have reportedly completed their Environmental Impact Analysis (Amdal) documents, and one company has obtained an Environmental Feasibility Decree.