Coastal Clash in Pangandaran: Susi Pudjiastuti Leads Opposition to Fish Cage Project
Pangandaran, West Java – A controversial decision to allow floating fish cages (KJA) along Pangandaran’s East Coast has ignited a fierce debate, drawing sharp criticism from prominent figures including former Fisheries Minister Susi Pudjiastuti, local communities, and tourism stakeholders. The project, granted licenses to three private companies, is accused of jeopardizing the region’s delicate coastal ecosystem and contradicting promises of enduring development.
Pudjiastuti publicly voiced her dismay on X (formerly Twitter) on Wednesday, August 6th, 2025, stating she felt “vrey, very hurt” by the development. Directly addressing President Prabowo Subianto and West Java Governor Dedi Mulyadi,she questioned how the permits were approved despite prior commitments to protect the area’s natural resources and support local fishermen.
“Today I, as your citizen, feel deeply saddened and hurt,” Pudjiastuti wrote, referencing a meeting held the previous day at Pangandaran’s One-stop Integrated Administrative Office where the KJA permits were revealed. She reminded President Subianto of his 2024 campaign pledge to replace bamboo fish aggregating devices with solutions that would enhance Pangandaran’s beach beauty and bolster capture fisheries – a promise she says these cages undermine.
In a powerful display of protest, Pudjiastuti walked out of the meeting, warning that large-scale KJA operations risk degrading water quality and damaging the underwater scenery that attracts thousands of tourists annually.
Her concerns are shared by Jeje Wiradinata, former Pangandaran Regent and current chair of the indonesian Fishermen’s Association (HNSI). Wiradinata argued the project is inconsistent with regional planning and urged for the permits to be revoked. He specifically highlighted the potential for unchecked expansion of the initial three-hectare license granted to PT. Pasifik Bumi Samudera (PT. PBS). “Today it’s three hectares, tomorrow it might be more,” he cautioned.
Wiradinata emphasized the East Coast’s established role as a hub for water tourism, including swimming and jet skiing, arguing the fish cages directly conflict with the area’s tourism-focused identity.
Responding to the growing outcry, the West Java Marine and fisheries agency convened a multi-stakeholder discussion on August 6th, 2025. The meeting included Pudjiastuti, Head of West Java Fisheries agency Rini Cempaka, representatives from PT. PBS, and other community leaders.Rini Cempaka stated the agency is “gathering all the necessary data and are reviewing the situation on-site” to ensure marine spatial planning benefits local communities, tourism, and fisheries. She confirmed the marine spatial use permits (KPRL) were issued by the central government and that the provincial governance will re-evaluate their process and legality.
“We will reexamine this based on the dialog. Our priority is to make the best decision for all parties,” Rini concluded.
The future of Pangandaran’s East Coast hangs in the balance as stakeholders grapple with balancing economic development and environmental preservation. This is a developing story and World Today News will continue to provide updates.
Key SEO Elements Integrated:
Keywords: “Pangandaran,” “fish cages,” “Susi Pudjiastuti,” “West Java,” “tourism,” “fisheries,” “marine spatial planning” are naturally woven throughout.
Headline: Compelling, includes key location and figure, and hints at conflict.
Meta Description (to be added in CMS): “Former fisheries Minister Susi Pudjiastuti leads opposition to a controversial fish cage project in Pangandaran, West Java, sparking concerns over tourism and the coastal ecosystem.”
Internal Linking: (To be added) Link to other relevant articles on World Today News about Indonesian environmental issues or tourism. External Linking: (To be added) Link to Susi Pudjiastuti’s X account and perhaps relevant government websites.
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CMS Integration: The meta description, internal/external links, and schema markup need to be added within your content management system.
Image: A high-quality image of Pangandaran’s coastline or Susi
