TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Balinese resistance movement against Benoa Bay Reclamation (ForBAli), publically reminded the new Maritime and Fisheries Minister Edhy Prabowo to not interfere with the current status of South Bali’s bay. Edhy previously announced that he would review the status of the area.

“If the reclamation [of Benoa Bay] gets advanced by Minister Edhy, I can make sure that there will be resistance from the people,” said ForBali coordinator, I Wayan Suardana on Thursday, November 21.

Suardana explained that Edhy Prabowo once issued a permanent halt on the Benoa Bay reclamation when the state-minister led House of Representatives (DPR) Commission IV. However, this recommendation was not followed-up by the maritime affairs minister of the time.

ForBali highly regretted Minister Edhy Prabowo’s plan to review the Law No.46/2019. The regulation was aimed to make sure that the environmental impact of the project will not spread into a vast area.

“I truly hope Minister Edhy respects himself by consistently upholding the recommendation that was once produced by House of Representative’s Commission IV,” said I Wayan Suardana.

Moreover, Suardana hopes Minister Edhy will fight to expand the conservation area to fight against Indonesia’s coastlines that are being massively exploited. “The ocean should be looked after,” he said.

MADE ARGAWA