Environmental issues have become increasingly interesting lately. Various problems and incidents are attempting to damage the environment. While Lombok was hit by major flooding a few weeks ago, now there’s a rumor that one of Lombok’s most beautiful beaches will be reclaimed.

Who doesn’t know Tanjung Aan Beach? A beach with a million memories, it’s a favorite vacation destination for Lombok residents. Its natural beauty, calm waves, fine white sand, and comprehensive facilities make it a popular choice for many. Therefore, today we’ll discuss some issues surrounding reclamation.

Circulating Issues

Indications of environmental crime have emerged regarding the destruction of mangrove areas in the eastern zone of the Mandalika Special Economic Zone (KEK). These allegations arise because the bay where the mangroves grow is being reclaimed to realize the development and development of a tourism destination in the Tanjung Aan Beach area by developers and land managers.

According to Inside Lombok, heavy equipment and a truck were seen transporting soil near the Tanjung Aan Beach development site near the mangrove trees. Responding to this, the Regional Secretary of East Lombok, Lalu Firman Wijaya, stated that the development had undergone an Environmental Impact Analysis (AMDAL) and that the reclamation process had been considered. “It’s been tested, yes; the reclamation has been considered,” he said while attending the land clearing process at Tanjung Aan Beach.

According to Firman, the reclamation had been considered, as outlined in the AMDAL, regarding how much would be reclaimed and how much would be left. However, existing mangrove trees would be affected by the reclamation.

The Impact of the Mangrove Forest Clearance Issue at Tanjung Aan Beach

Naturally, this is an activity that is rejected by many. Many oppose it and have taken various actions to show resistance. As a form of resistance, students from the Mataram National Student Front (FMN) held a public forum on Friday night, attended by Tanjung Aan residents and several civil society organizations. At the forum, residents expressed concern about the lack of outreach, meaningful consultation, and fair compensation. According to Unram Media, a food stall owner named Kartini highlighted the failure of the relocation scheme previously offered by ITDC. The previous relocation site was deemed unsuitable due to its distance from the coast and the loss of local identity.

Harry Sandi Ame, Coordinator of the Indonesian Development Monitoring Coalition (KPPI) for the NTB Region, explained that land conflicts in the Mandalika Special Economic Zone (KEK) have been ongoing and inherited from previous managers, from PT Rajawali to ITDC. He highlighted various rights violations that have occurred during the development of the area since 2018.

According to him, two major issues remain. Evictions in Tengal-engal Hill over unclaimed land and the threat of eviction against 186 vendors along the Tanjung Aan coastline. He also criticized the privatization of beach access, which is essentially a public space.

Residents’ Hopes

Environmental issues like this are certainly a blow and sad news for the surrounding community who love and even rely on Tanjung Aan Beach for their livelihood. If this beach is destroyed, where else will they find a livelihood and depend on it? Furthermore, the natural beauty and marine resources will also be lost. Can we bear to pass this on to the next generation? Of course, we hope that investors and all parties involved will consider the well-being of the community.