A heated debate has erupted over the installation of floating fish cages (KJA) along the East Coast of Pangandaran, West Java, sparking backlash from local communities, tourism stakeholders, and environmental advocates, including former Maritime Affairs and Fisheries Minister Susi Pudjiastuti.

Through a post on her X account, Susi voiced her deep disappointment, claiming to feel “very, very hurt” by the development. Tagging President Prabowo Subianto and West Java Governor Dedi Mulyadi, she expressed concern that the licenses granted to three private companies contradict earlier commitments to preserve the coastal ecosystem and support traditional fisheries.

"Today I, as your citizen, feel deeply saddened and hurt," Susi wrote on Wednesday, August 6, 2025, referencing a coordination meeting held at the Pangandaran One-stop Integrated Administrative Office the previous day. During the meeting, it was revealed that three companies had secured permits to operate KJA in the area permits Susi claims should never have been issued.

Citing a campaign pledge made by President Prabowo in 2024, Susi recalled his promise to replace bamboo fish aggregating devices in Pangandaran’s waters to enhance the beach's natural beauty and bolster capture fisheries. “We greatly appreciated that commitment,” she added.

Susi, who is known for her strong environmental stance and local ties to Pangandaran, staged a walkout during the meeting as a form of protest. She warned that large-scale KJA operations could degrade water quality and damage the underwater scenery that draws thousands of tourists to the region annually.

Her concerns are echoed by Jeje Wiradinata, former two-term regent of Pangandaran and chair of the Indonesian Fishermen's Association (HNSI), who also criticized the project. “From a zoning and licensing perspective, this doesn’t align with regional planning and should be revoked,” Jeje stated at the forum.

He warned that the current three-hectare license granted to PT. Pasifik Bumi Samudera (PT. PBS) could expand unchecked, potentially threatening the coastal ecosystem and tourism economy. “Today it’s three hectares, tomorrow it might be more,” he said.

Jeje emphasized that the East Coast of Pangandaran has traditionally served as a hub for water tourism activities such as swimming and jet skiing, and that the fish cage installation directly contradicts the area’s tourism-oriented identity.

In response to mounting criticism, West Java’s Marine and Fisheries Agency held a multi-stakeholder discussion on August 6, 2025 to address the issue. Attendees included Susi Pudjiastuti, Head of West Java Fisheries Agency Rini Cempaka, PT. PBS representatives, and other community leaders.

“We have gathered all the necessary data and are reviewing the situation on-site. The goal is to ensure that marine spatial planning delivers benefits for local communities, tourism, and fisheries,” Rini said.

She confirmed that the marine spatial use permits (KPRL) in question were issued by the central government, and that the provincial administration would re-evaluate the process and legality of the permits.

“We will reexamine this based on the dialogue. Our priority is to make the best decision for all parties,” Rini concluded.