‘Aku viral maka aku ada’: Kisah perlawanan warga mengungkap skandal HGB laut

Description

This article explores a groundbreaking civic action that uncovered 656 hectares of Building Use Rights (HGB) certificates issued over active sea waters in Sidoarjo, East Java. Utilizing civic mapping, open-source intelligence (OSINT), and strategic public narrative through social media, citizens mobilized widespread attention and policy responses. The movement led to the cancellation of permit renewal processes and sparked national scrutiny over coastal spatial licensing.

More than a story of digital advocacy, this piece reflects on how citizens and academics can fill institutional voids in environmental and spatial governance. Written from the standpoint of a scholar-activist, the article showcases how data, courage, and civic collaboration can strategically intervene in unjust systems—peacefully, yet powerfully.