9 Indonesian Islands That Have Been Sold on Foreign Websites

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The issue of buying and selling islands has again become a topic of discussion among the Indonesian people. According to the Director General of Marine Resources and Fisheries Monitoring (PSDKP) Pung Nugroho Saksono, explained that currently many foreign nationals (WNA) are utilizing small islands in the country for business activities.

However, this was immediately denied by the Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries. According to KKP, it does not have the authority to sell islands. "We at KKP only have the authority to grant management permits," said the Director General of Marine Spatial Management at KKP, Victor Gustaf Manoppo.

Previously, a number of islands in Indonesia were offered for sale on foreign websites. Summarized from various sources, here is a list of islands in Indonesia that have been sold on foreign sites:

1. Widi Islands, North Maluku (Kepulauan Widi)

The Widi Islands in North Maluku were once in the spotlight after they were auctioned on a foreign online site by PT Leadership Island Indonesia (LII). The auction was announced by Sotheby's Concierge auction house and even attracted the attention of world celebrities such as Shakira. The auction opened on December 7, 2022 and closed on December 14, 2022. However, on the official Sotheby's website, the auction advertisement is still listed until January 24, 2023.

Minister of Home Affairs Tito Karnavian explained that there had previously been an agreement between the local government and LII to manage the sea since 2015. After the news of the auction was widespread, the government revoked the MoU on the use of the Widi Islands because it was considered to violate the rules.

2. Pulau Gambar, Java Sea

In 2012, Pulau Gambar in the Java Sea was advertised on the website www.privateislandonline.com. Gambar Island was offered at a price of US$725,000 or equivalent to Rp6.8 billion (exchange rate of Rp9,500). In the sales information, the island was mentioned to be located in the Java Sea area with an area of 2.2 hectares.

The stius describes Pulau Gambar as a unique island with beautiful beaches and suitable for private residences, as well as offering diving, snorkeling and fishing activities.

3. Gili Nanggu Island, Lombok

Gili Nanggu Island in Lombok, NTB, which has an area of 4.99 hectares, was offered for Rp9.9 billion on the same website. The island offers various facilities, including 10 units of cottages, 7 units of bungalows, 1 unit of restaurant, mini bar, rooms, and a turtle breeding area.

4. Ajab Island, Bintan

Furthermore, in January 2018 Ajab Island in Bintan Regency was also included in the list of islands for sale on the privateislandonline.com website at a price of 3.3 million US dollars or around Rp44 billion. However, after receiving attention, the site clarified that Ajab Island was only for rent, not for sale.

5. Lantigiang Island, South Sulawesi

Lantigiang Island in Selayar Islands Regency, South Sulawesi, was once rumored to be sold for Rp900 million. However, this sale issue was denied by the Governor of South Sulawesi, Nurdin Abdullah. The 5.6-hectare island is included in the marine protection zone and is in the Takabonerate National Park area.

6. Three Islands in Mentawai (Tiga Pulau)

In 2009, three islands in the Mentawai Islands, namely Makaroni Island, Siloinak Island, and Kandui Island, were reportedly sold on foreign websites at varying prices. The 14-hectare Makaroni Island was valued at US$4 million, the 24-hectare Silionak Island at US$1.6 million, and the 26-hectare Kandui Island at US$8 million.

7. Punggu Island, NTT

Punggu Island, located near Komodo Island, was advertised on the Skyproperty.org website for US$11 million or around Rp135 billion. The island has an area of 117 hectares and has been certified. 

8. Island Couple in Anambas, Riau Islands (Pasangan Pulau)

The privateislandonline.com website is again selling islands in Indonesia. Based on monitoring as of today, a couple of islands in Anambas Islands, Riau Islands are offered for sale. However, the price is not mentioned.

The larger island has an area of 141 hectares, while the smaller island has an area of 18 hectares. Both islands are considered suitable for ecological resorts and international investors are allowed to lease land in Indonesia.

9. Panjang Island, NTB

Finally there is Panjang Island in West Nusa Tenggara, near the Amanwana resort on Moyo Island. The island, which is described as undeveloped and still in its natural state, is offered for lease at 33 hectares. However, the price is not listed on the website www.privateislandonline.com. As of this writing, Panjang Island is still being hawked on the foreign website.

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