IMPACT OF RECLAMATION ACTIVITIES ON THE ENVIRONMENT STUDY AREA: NORTHERN COAST OF BATAM, INDONESIA

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1 Jurnal Alam Bina, Jilid x, No 1, 2009 IMPACT OF RECLAMATION ACTIVITIES ON THE ENVIRONMENT STUDY AREA: NORTHERN COAST OF BATAM, INDONESIA Alpano Priyandes, M. Rafee Majid Department of Urban & Regional Planning, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, Skudai, Johor. ABSTRACT: This paper presents the findings of a study on the impact of reclamation activities at the northern coast of Batam Island. The study area is at the coastal area of the Sub-District (Kelurahan) of Bengkong Laut, Sadai and Tanjung Buntung. The focus of the study was on the changes in physicochemical and biological environment as well as on the socioeconomy of the affected fishermen. Field observation and both quantitative & qualitative descriptive analyses were used as an approach. Data were gathered from government institutions and from a set of questionnaires handed out to a total of 89 respondents. Results showed that reclamation activities changed the environment such as coastal morphology, hydro-oceanography, mangrove and coral reefs. Other effects include the clearing and cutting of surrounding hills and vegetation to get backfill materials for the reclamation project. Among the consequences observed and recorded were flooding, erosion, sedimentation, and adverse influences on the seawater quality, sea biota as well as local depletion of several kinds of fishes such as snappers, groupers, and shrimps. These in turn have reduced the income of the fishermen, forcing them to switch to other professions such as becoming tradesmen, laborers, and farmers. Keywords: Environment, Reclamation, Environmental Impact, Socioeconomic Impact Introduction Land reclamation has played a significant role in the urban development process in the coastal areas of many maritime countries. Singapore, Hong Kong and Japan reclaimed their coastal area to solve their problem of landshortage; the land is limited while the number of population increased continuously, as well as the demand for development and infrastructures of housing, commercials, and business (Ramly, 2008). The same situation occurred in Indonesia, especially in Batam. Batam is an island and a city in Riau Kepulauan Province of Indonesia. It is known for its free trade zone area as part of the SIJORI triangle (Singapore- Johor-Riau). Being strategically located close to Singapore and Malacca Strait gives Batam its status as a special economic region in Indonesia.

2 IMPACT OF RECLAMATION ACTIVITIES ON THE ENVIRONMENT CASE STUDY According to Master Plan of Batam City , the demand of development increases in line with its population growth and land-shortage problem occurs as a result. In the year of 2004, the local government of Batam City has approved a reclamation project in Bengkong District (Figure 1). The purpose of this project was to develop a kawasan terpadu (integrated area of housing, public facilities, services and tourism) and to improve the economic activities of the northern part of the island. The project, with a total reclamation area of 1400 ha., was carried out by five developers. Currently, while the reclamation works are still ongoing, initial developments have already started in some parts of the reclaimed area. Figure 1: Map of Reclamation Area in Northern Part of Batam Island While developing the region, the government of Batam City has to and is giving attention to the aspects of environment. According to Goodland (1995), a continuous development should consider three factors: environmental sustainability, economic sustainability, and social sustainability. The ongoing development in Batam is becoming a center of interest to its people and the environmentalists due to the requirements of special treatments to avoid any environmental damages.

3 Alpano Priyandes, M. Rafee Majid According to Bryant et al. (1998), Dahuri et al, (2001), WRI (2001) and Fortes (2001), reclamation would alter the condition and ecosystem of the coastal area. In general, reclamation activities would influence several aspects such as: 1. Natural morphology of the beach and coastal area. 2. Coastal biological resources, like fisheries and other coastal biota. 3. Sedimentation in the reclaimed location. 4. Mangrove and reefs. Saenger (1983), Salim (1986), and Naamin (1990) stated that mangrove ecosystem plays several important roles as follows: 1. Physical functions: To maintain the stability of coastal line, protect coastal area from abrasion and intrusion, and process the waste. 2. Biological functions: Nursery and spawning grounds for fishes, shrimps, and other water organisms, nesting ground for birds, and natural habitat for many kinds of biotic. 3. Economic functions: Mangroves make good firewood, salt processing instruments, embankments, and building materials. Moberg & Folke (1999) in Cesar (2000) stated that coral reefs ecosystem plays major role in providing renewable resources like fishes, shrimps, squids, and other biota. Other positive influences of coral reefs ecosystem are as follows: 1) physical structure that protects the coast; 2) supporting habitat for the food chains; 3) nitrogen fixation; and 4) tourist attraction through the colony of fish it harbors. Coral reefs ecosystem is not considered as good when the living coral composition is %, moderate at %, good at % and excellent at >75% (Gomez and Alcala, 1984). Therefore, there was a need for a study on the impact of reclamation activities at the northern coastal area of Batam. Based on the Master Plan of Batam , the city would a major national-level industrial center and environmental-based (beach and marine) tourism center. The government of Batam City, based on the master plan, has the rights and duty to manage the environment, including avoiding negative influences of development activities on the environment. Method Data for the study were obtained through field observation, administration of survey questionnaires to 89 affected fishermen and in-depth interviews with selected fishermen associations and government officials. Secondary data were also sought from relevant government agencies to support the primary data. These data were used to compare the environmental and social 3

4 IMPACT OF RECLAMATION ACTIVITIES ON THE ENVIRONMENT CASE STUDY conditions in the study area before and after the start of the reclamation activities. The data were also to investigate the possibilities of any causal relationship between the deterioration of mangroves and coral reefs to the dwindling of fish catches and the socio-economic conditions of the fishermen. Primary data collection was done in three Sub-Districts in the Districts of Bengkong, Bengkong Laut, Sadai and Tanjung Buntung. Data collection was done in the following manner: a. Field observation: This method was used in order to get firsthand information about the situation in the study area by observing environmental and social conditions. b. Questionnaires: A survey was carried out on the villagers in the reclamation area by asking them series of questions related to the environment and socioeconomic issues. Questionnaires were distributed to the villagers in the Districts of Bengkong, Nongsa and Batu Ampar, the area affected by the reclamation activities, and a total of 89 respondents were surveyed. c. In-depth interviews: Carried out on some stakeholders such as Fishermen s Organization of Batam, local societal associations (Persatuan Masyarakat Tempatan) and Local Government of Batam City. Results and Discussions Reclamation activities at the coast of Sub-Districts Bengkong Laut, Sadai and Tanjung Buntung triggered some changes to the geomorphology and hydrology around that area. These changes included slope deformation, river sediment compositions, tidal patterns, wave patterns, abrasion and water management area. Result of the observation showed some impact along the reclamation coastal area. The tidal wave hit the shore harder than the shock absorbing mechanism by the sea floor prepared for. This situation led to more intensive abrasion and eventual destabilization of the coastal area (Figure 2). The reclamation activities in the study area also destroyed the mangroves in the area and reduced their extent (Figure 3). Results of this study showed that before the reclamation activities started, the size of mangrove forest along the coast in the Sub-Districts of Bengkong Laut, Sadai and Tanjung Buntung were 24,000 m², but the size dwindled to 2,500 m 2 after the reclamation (Figure 4). The loss is significant and worth to be worried about because almost 90% of the mangroves forest in the area is gone. Physically, the loss of the mangrove forests had grievous effects on the nearby society. Increases in flooded area and in flooding frequencies are some of the effects of the mangrove deterioration (Table 1). When the tide is high and the wave is strong, fishermen s houses along the shoreline would be

5 Alpano Priyandes, M. Rafee Majid flooded due to the increase of the water level. The strength of the tidal wave in the study area from December to January and June to July might reach knot (Badan Meteorologi dan Geofisika Kota Batam, 2009). During high tide in windy seasons, flood as deep as 0.5 meters hits the fishermen s villages near the shoreline. Figure 2: Map of Abrasion Location Figure 3: Mangrove Distribution in the Study Area Before and After Reclamation 5

6 IMPACT OF RECLAMATION ACTIVITIES ON THE ENVIRONMENT CASE STUDY Source: Dinas Kelautan, Pertanian dan Kehutanan Kota Batam, 2009 Figure 4: Dwindling of mangrove forests along the coastal area around the reclamation site. Table 1: Number of High-Tide Flood Incidents at Bengkong Coastal Area Month/Year January February June August December Total Source: Kecamatan Bengkong, 2008 Figure 5: The area that used to be a mangrove forest The loss of the mangrove also put a pressure on the nearby societies, because it was the reliable source of income for them. Most of them use mangrove wood as charcoal, firewood, building materials, and traditional medications.

7 Alpano Priyandes, M. Rafee Majid The developer sourced their backfill materials not only from the sea but also from the surrounding hills, especially from the Districts of Bengkong and Batu Ampar. This resulted in severe erosion and sedimentation as well as increase in flooding, both in areas and frequencies, around Bengkong District and eventually the deterioration of the coastal water quality. Figure 6: The cutting of the hills in order to get the reclamation material. Table 2: Number of Floods in Bengkong District Year Flooding Points Location Bengkong Laut Bengkong Laut Bengkong Laut (1 point) and Sadai (1 point), Bengkong Laut (2 point), Sadai (1 point), and Bengkong Indah (1 point) Bengkong Laut (4 point), Sadai (3 point), and Bengkong Indah (1 point) Bengkong Laut (5 point), Sadai (3 point), Tanjung Buntung (3 point) and Bengkong Indah (1 point) Source: Kecamatan Bengkong, 2008 Overall, the reclamation activities had also deteriorated the coastal water quality. The water quality has deteriorated in terms of its physical and chemical characteristics as illustrated in Table 3. The eventual effect of this is severe, both environmentally and economically. The low water quality affected the sea biotas around the area, negatively affected the lives of the 7

8 IMPACT OF RECLAMATION ACTIVITIES ON THE ENVIRONMENT CASE STUDY fishes and coral reef. Coral reef plays important role as spawning ground, feeding ground, and nursery ground to many coastal organisms, especially fishes. In 2002, before the reclamation started, the living reefs in the area covered % of the coastal area, a size considered moderate. However, in 2007 the percentage reduced to %, which means it is not good (CRITC COREMAP II-LIPI, 2004 and Yuniarti, 2007) (Figure 7). Table 3: Sea Water Quality around Bengkong, Batam Center, Tanjung Sengkuang and Nongsa Coastal (Tering Bay) Parameter Physicals Color Turbidity Suspension Solid Chemicals ph Salinity Dissolved Oxygen BOD COD Unit CU NTU mg/l - % mg/l mg/l mg/l Guideline from Ministry of Environment 02/MenKLH/11/1988 Allowed Wanted < 50 > 30 < Natural > 6 < 45 < 80 < 30 > 5 < Natural > 4 < 25 < 40 Before Reclamation (2002) After Reclamation (2007) Source: Dinas Permukiman dan Prasarana Wilayah Provinsi Riau (2002), Kementerian Negara Lingkungan Hidup, and Badan Pengendalian Dampak Lingkungan Hidup Kota Batam (2008) Figure 7: Map of Coral Reef Distribution in Study Area Showing Area of Dead Corals

9 Alpano Priyandes, M. Rafee Majid The loss of sizable mangrove and the destruction of coral reefs took its toll on the amount of fish catch. Overall fish catch has reduced by 55% after the reclamation project. The catch of belanak, a type of fish which thrives in mangrove areas, has declined the most at 70%. Three other species (snappers, groupers and shrimps) which have high economic values in term of prices have basically disappeared from the fishermen s daily catch (Figures 8 & 9). Figure 8: Daily catches of fish before and after reclamation. Figure 9: Disappearance of groupers, snappers and shrimps from the daily catch. Before the reclamation, most of the fishermen were able to catch approximately 15 kg of seafood per day per person but this amount was reduced to merely 5 kg per day after the reclamation. In terms of monthly income from fishing, each fisherman was initially able to take home on 9

10 IMPACT OF RECLAMATION ACTIVITIES ON THE ENVIRONMENT CASE STUDY average approximately RM to RM (Rp2,000,000 to Rp2,500,000) per month but after the reclamation the amount was reduced to RM to RM (Rp1,000,000 to Rp1,500,000) per month. The decline in their fishing incomes had forced these fishermen to diversify their income sources or abandon fishing altogether to try their luck in other professions. Around 20% of the fishermen chose to shift to other professions. Fifty percent of these job shifters chose to work as laborers while 45% started a seafood restaurant or a shop selling fish. The other 5% tried their luck in farming. Conclusion The status of Batam City as a Free Trade Zone increased its pace of development. Its uncontrollable growth, however, eventually resulted in inefficient land use. While sustainable development should concern about the balance between economic development and environmental and social factors, the development of Batam City, especially in term of reclamation projects, seemed to have failed to fulfill this requirement. Since 2004, reclamation showed adverse impact towards the physicochemical environment, biological environment, and social aspects in the area. Physico-chemical impacts include the change of bathymetry of the waters around the reclamation area due to the dredging and underwater mining for backfill materials. This bathymetric change disturbed the coastal balance and changed the current pattern, waves, quality of the water, and sediment transportation systems. On land, cutting of hills, also for backfill materials, has led to severe erosion and sedimentation that caused frequent flooding as well as deterioration of the water quality. The reclamation activities are also to be blamed for the loss of hectares of mangroves and destruction of the coral reefs. The loss of these mangroves and coral reefs eventually resulted in the reduction of daily fish catch by the fishermen, forcing them to either double their efforts in catching fish or totally abandon their age-old profession to try other jobs. Most of the fishermen who switched their profession became either laborers or small-time traders. However, without experience and knowledge, it was difficult for them to adjust to their new way of life. As result, most of them would later fail and chose to go back to their fishing career, but in other areas. Although compensated for their hardship by the developers, many thought that the cash compensation was below their expectation.

11 Alpano Priyandes, M. Rafee Majid References Bryant D, Burke L, McManus J and Spalding M Reefs at Risk: A Map Based Indicator of Threats to the World s Coral Reefs. World Resources Institute. Washington, D.C. Cesar, H Collected Essay on the Economics of Coral Reefs. Cordio Departemen Biology and Environmental Science, Kalmar University. Sweden. Dahuri R, Rais J, Ginting SP dan Sitepu MJ Pengelolaan Sumberdaya Pesisir dan Lautan Secara Terpadu. PT. Pradnya Paramita. Jakarta. Fortes M Loss of Seagrasses and Mangroves in Asia Pacific: Biting the Hand that Feeds. Paper presented at the global conference on Oceans and Coasts at Rio+10. UNESCO. December 3-7, Paris. Gomez, E.D. and A.C. Alcala Survey of Philippine Coral Reefs Using Transect and Quadrate Techniques. In: Comparing Coral Reef Survey Methods. Report of Regional Unesco/ UNEP Workshop. Phuket Marine Biological Centre. Thailand. Goodland, R The Concept of Environmental Sustainability, Annual Review of Ecological System, 26. Naamin, N Penggunaan Hutan Mangrove untuk Budidaya Tambak Keuntungan dan Kerugian. Dalam Prosiding Seminar IV Ekosistem Hutan Mangrove MAB Indonesia. LIPI. Bandar Lampung. Ramly, S Impact on the coastal areas of the Tanjung Tokong Land Reclamation Project, Penang, Malaysia, Effects on wave transformation, sediment transport, and coastal evolution. LTH, Lund University. Sweden. Saenger Global Status of Mangrove ecosystem. IUCN Commission on Ecology Papers. No Salim, E Pengelolaan Hutan Mangrove Berwawasan Lingkungan: Makalah dalam Pidato Pengarahan Diskusi Panel Daya Guna dan Batas Lebar Jalur Hijau Mangrove. 27 February Ciloto. WRI Pilot Analysis of Global Ecosystems. Coastal Ecosystems. WRI. Washington, D.C. 11