Banyuwangi Recommends Sand Mining Prohibition for Benoa Project

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Banyuwangi Regent, Abdullah Azwar Anas, said that he will forward people’s aspirations that reject sea-sand mining to the Governor of East Java. The sand mined will be used in the Benoa Bay reclamation project in Bali.

“Because the one who is authorized to issue mining permit is the governor,” said Azwar.

Banyuwangi administration claims to continue accommodating inputs from the people before sending recommendation to the Governor. According to Azwar, there is no zone for sea-sand mining in Banyuwangi’s Spatial Planning. The coasts of Banyuwangi is being developed for tourism destination.

“Regional government will not close eyes and ears from the people’s aspiration,” Azwar added.

Hundreds of fishermen and residents of the coastal area of Muncar, Banyuwangi, had previously staged a protest in front of Banyuwangi Regent. They urged the Regent to prohibit PT Tirta Wahana Bali Internasional, an operator of Benoa Bay reclamation project, mining sands for the project.

“As many as 12,714 fishermen rely their lives on Muncar waters,” said Umar Hasan Zein, the coordinator of the protest.

Originally, PT Tirta Wahana Bali planned to mine the sands in the waters of East Lombok, West Nusa Tenggara (NTB) but the plan was slammed by NTB Governor M. Zainul Majdi. Then the company turns to Banyuwangi and submitted a proposal on April 2 to mine sand in Kabat Subdistrict, Rogojampi, and Srono whihch is located around Muncar fish-market harbor.

The Managing Director of the company, Hendi Lukman, had denied that the sands mined from Banyuwangi area will be used for Benoa Bay project.

Meanwhile, East Java Governor Soekarwo on Wednesday last week, said he will reject permits for sea-sand mining in Banyuwangi because he believes it will be a threat to the ecosystem.

IKA NINGTYAS | EDWIN FAJERIAL