Jenebora Fishermen in PPU Face Ongoing Pressure from Industrial Vessel Activity in Balikpapan Bay

Fishermen belonging to the Indonesian Fishermen Alliance (ANI) of the Jenebora community, Penajam Paser Utara (PPU) Regency, East Kalimantan, say they continue to face pressure from industrial activity around Balikpapan Bay. They are maintaining their demands for protection of the Karang Solet area and the Jenebora coastal waters where they have long fished. ANI Jenebora Community chairman Ramadansyah stated on Sunday (14/6) that the pressure is persistently felt by the fishermen, who believe they have the right to defend their territory and protect the marine ecosystem that has been their primary source of livelihood. He stressed that the maritime gateway to the Nusantara Capital City (IKN) is located in Jenebora Urban Village, and as the indigenous community born and raised there, they have the right to defend and fight for their area, particularly to safeguard the marine ecosystem and the Karang Solet area. The coastal and marine ecosystem has suffered years of pressure from industrial activities, including coal transport, crude palm oil (CPO) processing, and other operations. Residents also complain of suspected air pollution originating from the industrial zone across from their settlement. Ramadansyah explained that the community has pursued various official channels, conveying their aspirations to the PPU Regency Government, Balikpapan City Government, the Class I Port Authority Office (KSOP) of Balikpapan, and the East Kalimantan Provincial Marine and Fisheries Service (DKP). The provincial DKP has officially acknowledged the existence of the Karang Solet reef area during coordination meetings and hearings with the community. Despite this recognition, Ramadansyah noted that no firm action has been taken against the industrial vessels anchoring there, and ANI is scrutinising the performance of the authorised agencies. He also highlighted a follow-up meeting facilitated by KSOP Class I Balikpapan regarding the anchorage area issue, lamenting that the affected fishermen were not directly involved. He questioned claims on social media about meetings with fishermen, stating that ANI Jenebora was never invited, and assessed that the forum focused more on administrative aspects without producing concrete solutions. In response to the situation, ANI Jenebora has sent an official letter to the Ministry of Transportation and other relevant ministries, seeking central government intervention. This follows an audience with the Environmental Agency and DKP East Kalimantan, which indicated that issues related to licensing, marine spatial management, and alleged pollution fall under central government authority. The fishermen hope the central government will provide justice and follow up on the complaints of coastal communities affected by IKN development.