JABAR EKSPRES – Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources, Arifin Tasrif said, that the export of marine sediments is carried out to support the safety of large ships that will pull over to provide economic benefits.

“One of them is (security), and maintaining the sea lane. For example, if there is a large ship with high economic value, due to the limitations of the shallowness of the depth, it is not possible to use the large one, so the economy is more expensive,” Arifin said after attending a limited meeting with the President at the Presidential Palace, Jakarta, Wednesday (31/5).

The government issued Government Regulation (PP) Number 26 of 2023 concerning the Management of Sedimentation Results in the Sea.

Arifin explained that what is meant and allowed to be exported in the PP is marine sediment. At several points in the Indonesian sea, there is a lot of sedimentation that causes siltation, including the waters of Malacca and Batam. Therefore, to maintain the shipping channel, it will be deepened by dredging again.

“That’s why it’s better to throw the sediment (export) out, rather than putting it in our place,” he said.

Arifin said that his party is working with the Ministry of Environment and Forestry (KLHK) in the implementation of the PP, so as not to have a damaging impact on the environment. “It must be monitored later in its implementation,” he said.

According to Arifin, there will always be demand for marine sediments, one of which is Singapore. However, the government will still prioritize domestic needs first.

“Yes, Singapore definitely needs it. It will be seen if there is a need for it, it must be fulfilled first,” he explained.