Yes, collecting sea glass in Indonesia is generally permitted but tightly controlled under environmental and maritime laws. While not explicitly banned, compliance hinges on adherence to conservation statutes, local permits, and protected area restrictions enforced by the Ministry of Environment and Forestry (KLHK) and the Directorate General of Marine Spatial Management (Ditjen PSDKP). Unauthorized collection in marine protected zones or using prohibited tools may trigger penalties under Law No. 32/2009 on Environmental Protection and Management.
Key Regulations for Collecting Sea Glass in Indonesia
- Protected Area Restrictions: Collection is prohibited in marine national parks, nature reserves, and conservation areas under Government Regulation No. 60/2007, with enforcement by KLHK’s regional offices.
- Permit Requirements: Small-scale collection for personal use may require a Surat Izin Pengambilan Bahan Galian Golongan C (Permit for C-Group Mineral Extraction) from local district governments, while commercial activities demand additional environmental impact assessments (AMDAL).
- Tool and Method Limitations: Mechanical dredging or excavation is illegal under Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries Regulation No. 2/2021; hand-collection is permitted only with non-destructive tools, verified by coastal authorities.
Violations risk fines up to IDR 10 billion (≈USD 650,000) or imprisonment under Law No. 31/2004 on Fisheries, particularly if collection disrupts marine ecosystems or endangered species habitats. Recent 2026 compliance directives emphasize digital permit tracking via the Sistem Informasi Izin Lingkungan (Environmental Permit Information System) to curb illegal activities.