Mudflow clogs up Madura Strait

The mudflow, which is easing its way into the sea through the Porong River in Sidoarjo, has contributed to the increasing silting up of the Madura Strait, an expert says.

Mukhtasor, an oceanologist of the 10 November Institute of Technology (ITS), said that according to a remote sensing image taken recently, the sea level on the strait had decreased to around ten meters.

This condition could jeopardize heavy-weight cargo vessels going in and out of Tanjung Perak and Gresik ports.

He said the mudflow caused by Lapindo Brantas Inc was partly responsible.

"Some 50,000 cubic meters of mud are disposed through the river everyday and unless the mud disposal is well-managed, the river will continue to silt until finally sea transportation along the strait is disrupted," he said, adding that Bengawan Solo and Brantas rivers also contributed to the silt.

The silting up of the waterways recently sparked strong protest from shipowners and state-owned port operator PT Pelino III, which managed the two ports.

Many vessels have unloaded their cargo on the Gresik Port following the silt up, which has prevented them from unloading at their destination port, Tanjung Perak.

Rennard Hafizh Star, a shipowner in Gresik, questioned the Gresik port authorities' policy prioritizing cargo vessels operated by PT Altus to supply materials to the construction of a 60-kilometer Sumenep-Gresik gas pipeline belonging to energy company Kodeco Energy Co. Ltd.

"The pipeline project has not only caused losses to shipowners but has also jeopardized sea transportation," he said.

Pelindo III has asked the government to revise the pipeline project because many vessels have filed complaints after detecting the pipeline that could disturb sea transportation on the strait.

Pelindo III spokesman Iwan Sabatini said his company had urged the government to deepen the sea to at least 14 meters to allow big cargo vessels carrying between 5,000 and 13,000 tons to sail into the strait.

"If the silt up is not handled properly, it will affect export and import activities and affect economic development in the province," he said.

Kodeco spokesperson Janti Soekirman said her company had already conducted a feasibility study and coordinated with all sides before carrying out the project.

"We have no intention of letting any side suffer losses from the project, which is aimed at facilitating the distribution of liquefied natural gas to the province," she said.