Responding to reclamation projects in DKI Jakarta

Before being elected as Governor of DKI Jakarta, Anies Baswedan promised to stop the reclamation project. However, the reality says otherwise. The issuance of a reclamation permit on the North Jakarta Coast through Governor's Decree Number 237 of 2020 indicates that Anies has broken his campaign promise.
The public is left wondering, what is the meaning of Anies' change of attitude? Is reclamation truly a public need? What are the consequences of environmental damage from the continuation of the reclamation project?

To answer these questions, Populi Center held an online discussion with the theme 'Responding to the Reclamation Project in DKI' and presented three speakers, namely Professor of the Faculty of Social and Political Sciences UGM Purwo Santoso, Urban Planning Observer from Trisakti University Nirwono Joga, and Populi Center Researcher Hartanto Rosojati. The discussion took place via the Google Meet application at 13.00-15.00 WIB and was guided directly by Populi Center Researcher Erwinton Simatupang.

Populi Center researcher Hartanto Rosojati said that reclamation is one of the efforts made by the DKI Jakarta Provincial Government to address the population in Jakarta which continues to increase every year. There is nothing wrong with reclamation, but the project does have a number of consequences and negative impacts that must be minimized. "Reclamation must pay attention to environmental and social impacts comprehensively, especially for fishing communities living on the coast," said Hartanto.

Urban Planning Observer Nirwono Joga assessed the reclamation as a project that damages the environment. He called the project an 'ecological suicide project'. For that reason, Nirwono stated, the DKI Jakarta DPRD needs to urge Anies to revoke the Governor's Decree Number 237 of 2020. "The reason is, the Ancol reclamation is not in accordance with the Detailed Spatial Plan (RDTR)," said Nirwono.

Meanwhile, UGM Faculty of Social and Political Sciences Professor Purwo Santoso assessed that it is time for Jakarta to have a leader who cares about the environment. At this point, Governor Anies must consider various risks, such as environmental, social, and economic risks. "Don't get caught up in the short-term agenda of power, because the accumulation of environmental impacts due to reclamation is long-term," said Purwo.