The Impact of PSN on Coastal Communities: A Maritime Perspective

The Impact of PSN on Coastal Communities: A Maritime Perspective

National Strategic PROJECTS (PSN) have become the main focus of efforts to develop infrastructure and economic growth in various regions of Indonesia.

However, the impact is not limited to a national scale, but also has significant implications for coastal communities which are inherently linked to maritime life.

Therefore, understanding the impact of PSN on coastal communities is crucial for evaluating the potential consequences that could arise, both from an economic, environmental, social and cultural perspective.

Take this into account because coastal areas are often the focal point of poverty in Indonesia.

According to the Central Statistics Agency, in 2022, there will be around 17.74 million poor people in Indonesia’s coastal areas, of which 3.9 million people will experience extreme poverty.

Of the total poor population in Indonesia in that period, which reached 26 million people, coastal areas contributed 68 percent.

One of the main livelihoods for residents of coastal areas is through the capture fisheries sector. Fishermen, who are the backbone of this sector, generally belong to low-income groups.

However, in the PSN context, infrastructure development such as ports and transportation systems can have an impact on capture fisheries activities and fishermen’s livelihoods.

Increased construction activities and port expansion have the potential to disrupt the balance of marine ecosystems and reduce fish catches, thereby threatening fishermen’s income and worsening poverty in coastal areas.

Therefore, an in-depth assessment of the impact of PSN on the capture fisheries sector and the welfare of fishermen in coastal areas is an urgent need.

Open up new opportunities

That’s not the only main impact of PSN on coastal communities. Projects such as the construction of ports, docks, maritime transportation networks and marine energy installations can increase connectivity between coastal areas and national and international economic centers.

This can open up new opportunities for trade, investment and tourism, which in turn can increase the income and welfare of coastal communities.

However, maritime infrastructure development can also have negative impacts on the marine environment and coastal ecosystems. Increased human activity around ports and docks can cause water pollution and damage to coral reefs.

Apart from that, maritime infrastructure development can also influence the social structure of coastal communities.

The presence of a new port, or large pier, can change migration patterns and population distribution in coastal areas. This can have an impact on social dynamics, including economic growth, social inequality and political stability in coastal communities.

In an economic context, maritime infrastructure development can create new jobs and expand business opportunities for coastal communities.

However, to ensure that the economic benefits of the project are equitable and sustainable, efforts are needed to strengthen local economic capacity, through empowering micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) as well as skills training for local workers.

Apart from that, maritime infrastructure development can also trigger the growth of the tourism sector in coastal areas.

Increasing tourism accessibility and facilities can attract more tourists, which in turn can have a positive impact on income and local economic development.

Thus, maritime infrastructure development within the PSN framework has a complex impact on coastal communities.

To maximize its benefits while minimizing its negative impacts, a balanced and sustainable approach is needed that considers economic, environmental, social and cultural aspects.

It is important to pay attention to a sustainable approach in maritime infrastructure development.

Active participation of coastal communities in project planning and implementation, recognition of local knowledge regarding marine ecosystems, as well as fair compensation for losses that may occur, must be an integral part of any infrastructure development strategy in coastal areas.

Harmful to coastal communities

PSN, indeed, has become an important milestone in infrastructure development in Indonesia, especially in the context of the maritime world which is rich in natural resources and economic potential.

So Indonesia, with more than 17,000 islands and a long coastline, has great potential to utilize its marine wealth as one of the main drivers of economic development.

Therefore, PSN is a strategic instrument to optimize the country’s maritime potential and overcome existing infrastructure limitations.

However, despite providing a significant boost to the country’s maritime development, a number of PSN projects also have potentially detrimental impacts on coastal communities.

The construction of large infrastructure such as ports, toll roads and new cities often results in the eviction of coastal communities from their traditional homes and livelihoods.

In addition, damage to the marine environment caused by these projects can disrupt the marine ecosystem which is a source of life for coastal communities.

One striking example is the construction of Rempang Eco-City, which in the context of the maritime world has faced criticism for threatening abundant marine resources and displacing traditional fishing communities who have long depended on the sea for their livelihood.

Changes in land use and closure of access to coastal areas for the purposes of building this new city have the potential to disrupt fishing activities and the sustainability of the surrounding marine ecosystem.

Also PSN Mandalika NTB is of concern in the context of the maritime world. Because of the potential impact on the marine tourism sector, which is the main source of income for coastal communities in the area, it could be disrupted.

The development of large tourism infrastructure can change the dynamics of marine ecosystems, damage coral reefs and disrupt ecotourism activities carried out by local communities.

On the other hand, the Semarang-Demak Sea Embankment Toll Road Construction Project in Central Java has raised concerns because of the potential for damage to the mangrove ecosystem which protects the coast from abrasion and other natural disasters.

Mangroves are an important part of coastal ecosystems that not only provide habitat for various types of fish and marine biota. However, it also plays a role in absorbing carbon dioxide and protecting beaches from damage caused by waves and floods.

The construction of the Makassar New Port also has a significant impact in the context of the maritime world, especially related to damage to fishermen’s fishing areas in the Spermonde Waters, South Sulawesi.

This new port could disrupt fish migration routes, cause a decrease in catches, and change the lifestyle of fishing communities who are accustomed to sea conditions in the area.

Facing these impacts, it is important to pay attention to a sustainable approach in maritime infrastructure development.

Holistic and sustainable approach

National Strategic Projects have a complex impact on coastal communities in the context of the maritime world.

The development of maritime infrastructure, such as ports, docks and maritime transportation networks, can provide a major boost to the local economy and expand connectivity with global markets.

However, along with significant economic benefits, such development also carries risks to the marine environment and the sustainability of natural resources.

So to maximize the benefits while minimizing the negative impacts, a holistic and sustainable approach is needed. PSN project planning must take into account economic, environmental, social and cultural aspects simultaneously.

Effective mitigation measures must be implemented to preserve the marine environment, and minimize the risk of pollution and damage to natural habitats.

Here it is also important to ensure that active participation of all stakeholders is guaranteed in all stages of the project.

Governments, the private sector and local communities must work together to determine policies, plan projects and monitor their implementation.

Local community participation can ensure that their needs and interests are properly accommodated in project planning and implementation.

Therefore, to strengthen the capacity of local communities in terms of knowledge, skills and decision making, training and education on environmental sustainability and risk management continues to be improved.

This must become the awareness and readiness of coastal communities to face the impacts of the PSN project.

There must also be strict policies and monitoring mechanisms to ensure that PSN projects run in accordance with sustainable development principles.

Transparency and accountability in the use of funds, as well as project implementation, will increase public trust and reduce the risk of corruption and abuse of power.

With a holistic approach and involving active participation from all stakeholders, PSN projects can be an effective instrument in improving the welfare of coastal communities while maintaining the sustainability of their environment and cultural heritage.

The Impact of PSN on Coastal Communities: A Maritime Perspective