The Return of Indonesia’s Sea Sand Exports After Two Decades
After a 20-year hiatus, Indonesia is set to resume exporting sea sand, a move that has rekindled discussions around its environmental, economic, and regional implications. This initiative will involve dredging sea sediment from several key areas: Demak, Surabaya, Cirebon, Indramayu, Karawang, Kutai Kartanegara, and Balikpapan, as well as the islands of Karimun, Lingga, and Bintan in the Riau Islands.
Environmental Concerns Over Sea Sediment Dredging
Lack of Scientific Studies
Environmental advocates are voicing concerns about the government’s decision. The Indonesian Forum for the Environment (Walhi) argues that the plan lacks comprehensive scientific analysis. Parid Ridwanuddin, Campaign Manager for Coastal and Small Islands at Walhi, emphasized that the government’s justification for dredging—clearing obstructed shipping lanes—is baseless, as the regions involved are predominantly deep-sea areas. “These are deep-sea regions,” Parid stated, challenging the need for such sediment removal.
Impact on Coastal Ecosystems
The decision to resume sea sand export has raised alarms about the potential for significant environmental damage, particularly to coastal ecosystems. Indonesia previously banned sea sand exports in 2003 due to the environmental degradation it caused, particularly the destruction of coastal habitats.
Economic Benefits for Singapore’s Land Reclamation Projects
Singapore’s Growing Demand for Sea Sand
Singapore stands to benefit the most from Indonesia’s renewed sea sand export policy. The country has long relied on land reclamation projects to expand its territory, and sea sand is a critical component of this process. Singapore has already increased its landmass from 581.5 km² in 1960 to 725.7 km² by 2019. According to Singapore’s land reclamation strategy, the nation aims to reach 766 km² by 2030.
Indonesia’s Role as a Key Sand Supplier
Historically, Indonesia has been Singapore’s largest sea sand supplier. Before the ban in 2003, Indonesia provided Singapore with 90 percent of its sea sand, exporting an average of 53 million tonnes annually between 1997 and 2002. This trade was halted under the administration of President Megawati Soekarnoputri due to environmental concerns. However, President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo’s new regulation, Government Regulation No. 26 of 2023, marks a turning point in this trade.
How Land Reclamation Drives Singapore’s Economic Growth
Major Infrastructure on Reclaimed Land
Singapore’s land reclamation efforts have been instrumental in its economic expansion. Key infrastructure developments such as Changi Airport, Tuas Port, and Jurong Island have been built on reclaimed land. These projects are central to Singapore’s economic success, enhancing its global competitiveness as a major hub for transportation and logistics.
The Global Demand for Sea Sand
According to a 2019 report by the United Nations Environment Programme, Singapore has been the world’s largest importer of sand for the past 20 years, importing over 517 million tonnes of sand from neighboring countries. This growing demand for sea sand reflects Singapore’s ambitious goals for continuous land expansion and infrastructure development.
The Future of Indonesia’s Sea Sand Export: A Balancing Act
Environmental and Economic Trade-Offs
The resumption of sea sand exports offers both opportunities and challenges for Indonesia. On one hand, it promises economic benefits by tapping into Singapore’s insatiable demand for sand, but on the other hand, it raises significant environmental concerns. Coastal degradation, loss of biodiversity, and long-term damage to marine ecosystems are among the key issues that need to be addressed.
Government Regulations and Sustainable Practices
President Jokowi’s Government Regulation No. 26 of 2023 outlines strict guidelines for the dredging, placement, and utilization of sea sediment, including provisions for trade and export. To mitigate environmental risks, it is crucial for these regulations to be enforced with rigorous oversight to ensure sustainable and responsible sediment management.
Conclusion: What Lies Ahead for Indonesia and Singapore?
The revival of Indonesia’s sea sand export industry is a double-edged sword. While it presents a significant economic opportunity—particularly for Singapore’s land reclamation efforts—it also poses serious environmental risks. The challenge for both Indonesia and Singapore will be to find a balance between economic development and environmental sustainability. As this trade resumes, the global community will be closely watching how these two nations navigate the complexities of sea sand exportation in the years to come.