REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, JAKARTA -- Constitutional law expert at Parahyangan Catholic University, Asep Warlan Yusuf said President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) could not just stated he did not issue reclamation permit without further action. He assessed, the President should not leave the problem to Jakarta provincial government.
According to Asep, Jokowi should take over the problem of Jakarta's bay reclamation project. It was necessary to solve one of polemics in the society.
"Many criticisms that came from public and various parties about reclamation project, so it will be better if the President says, he will take over of this problem," Asep said on Thursday (Nov 2).
According to Asep, reclamation was not only Jakarta's problem. He said, it involved many aspects authorized by the Ministry of Environment and Forestry (KLHK), Ministry of Coordinating Maritime Affairs, Ministry of Transportation. The interest of society must also be concerned.
"So, for legal certainty, there should be a presidential regulation (Perpres) that comprehensively regulate, not partially and sectorial. Don't just say, don't know then hand it over to the ministers and governor," Asep added.
Furthermore, Asep said president could ask explanation from KLHK regarding the impact of reclamation for environmental change. Then, Ministry of Coordinating Maritime Affairs could relate to the sea condition in north Jakarta, and Ministry of Transportation on sea traffic.
Asep said, private companies should also be presented in the discussion because some of the islets were build by investors. They will not accept easily if the project stopped since they have spent a lot of money invested in the project.
Meanwhile, president should also pay attention to the community, especially the fishermen who lost their live hood.
Asep hoped, the president will immediately hold a meeting to discuss reclamation problem to find the best solution.
Luhut says reclamation must continue
On October 5, Coordinating Maritime Affairs Minister Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan has lifted moratorium on Jakarta's bay reclamation project, which cancel the decree on the moratorium of reclamation project signed by minister Rizal Ramli in 2016.
He said all parties, including new government of DKI Jakarta must accept his decision.
According to Luhut, Jakarta governor Anies Baswedan should prepare himself to face charges from all developers who have lost their money if they cancel project.
Luhut also said that the Jakarta bay reclamation project should be continued as it is one of the central government's long-awaited projects, that date back to the former president Soeharto era.
He said research on the development of the artificial islets had been conducted since the former president Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono administration.
Later, it was being continued under the leadership of President Joko Widodo. Jakarta's land reclamation project is a project initiated by the Jakarta city administration involving the construction of 17 manmade island on the northern coast of the city.
Meanwhile, deputy governor Sandiaga Uno said, the decision on Jakarta bay reclamation is final.
He said, Jakarta provincial governor is still waiting to communicate with the Jakarta Regional Legislative Assembly (DPRD) to harmonize future plans. He hoped, the meeting could be held next week. "We have met informally, but our commitment is to stop reclamation," he remarked.
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