Community Resistance to Development of The Semarang-Demak Sea Embankment Toll Road

Abstract

The Development of the Semarang-Demak sea embankment toll road (TTLSD) is a National Strategic Project (PSN) built to improve connectivity in the Pantura as well as to avoid tidal flood that occur in the Semarang area. However, this development has sparked controversy in the community, resulting in resistance to the construction of TTLSD, the issue must be studied more deeply. This research examines the emergence of community resistance to the development of TTLSD along with its forms and impacts. This type of research is qualitative with a case study research design.  The results of the research show that the Tambakrejo community's resistance to the Semarang-Demak sea toll project is caused by economic losses including reduced fishing catches and damage to green mussel farming. Various forms of resistance have been carried out, such as solidarity actions demanding compensation for green mussel farming. This resistance made the community more aware of this issue, even though the community's demands were not met, the developer offered a solution, they offered 600 job vacancies and also the replacement of green mussel farmind media in the form of bamboo. Even though the people of Tambakrejo showed resistance to the construction of the sea highway through various forms of advocacy and negotiation, the development process continued without any significant intervention from the central government; Even though several mediation steps have been taken by local governments and developers, negative impacts on the local economy and community rights still persist, reflecting an imbalance in the decision-making process regarding infrastructure development.