The new regulations opening sea sand exports are detailed in Permendag No. 20 of 2024 and Permendag No. 21 of 2024, amending previous regulations on export restrictions and policies. Isy Karim, Director General of Foreign Trade at the Ministry of Trade, stated that these regulations align with Government Regulation No. 26 of 2023 on managing sedimentation at sea. Issued in response to a proposal from the Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries (KKP), the new rules ensure that sea sand exports are only permitted after domestic needs are met and in accordance with the law. Isy emphasized that the regulation aims to address sedimentation that affects coastal and marine ecosystems' capacity and health, and to optimize sedimentation results for coastal development and ecosystem rehabilitation. Prof. Kornelis Blok of the IPCC stressed the importance of reducing CO2 emissions to combat climate change, highlighting that 30% of the world's electricity now comes from renewable sources. He noted Indonesia's potential in renewable energy, with significant resources in solar, wind, hydro, bioenergy, geothermal, and marine energy, suggesting Kalimantan as a central player in renewable energy production for local and inter-island supply.
The regulations for exporting sea sand require exporters to be registered, obtain export approval, and provide a surveyor's report, as detailed in Permendag No. 21 of 2024, which refers to Minister of Marine Affairs and Fisheries Decree No. 47 of 2024. The export ban, first enforced by President Megawati in 2002 to prevent environmental damage, particularly the sinking of small islands, was reiterated during her term and solidified in 2007 against illegal exports. However, President Jokowi reopened sea sand exports through PP No. 26 of 2023, permitting sedimentation management by approved entities using Indonesian-flagged dredging ships, with foreign ships allowed if necessary. This decision has faced backlash from environmental groups like Greenpeace and Walhi, former Minister of Marine Affairs and Fisheries Susi Pudjiastuti, and fishermen, who argue the environmental risks outweigh the benefits.
