‘Indonesia’s islands not for individual or foreign ownership’

JAKARTA, Indonesia (MNTV) – – No individual or foreign entity can own islands in Indonesia, said the country’s Minister of Agrarian Affairs and Spatial Planning/National Land Agency, Nusron Wahid. 

His statement was in response to the alleged sale of Indonesian islands on the Private Islands Online website, reports Tempo.co. 

He cited the Maritime Affairs and Fisheries Minister’s Regulation No. 10 of 2024 concerning the Utilization of Small Islands and Surrounding Waters, which stipulates restrictions on island ownership. Specifically, Article 9, paragraph (1) of this regulation states that 30% of a small island’s area is owned by the state, while the remaining 70% can be utilized by businesses.

Nusron further explained that 45% of the area on a small island must be allocated for evacuation routes. Referring to these regulations, he clarified that foreign individuals or legal entities cannot obtain building rights certificates.

“Based on this provision, it is not possible for one person to buy an entire island, especially if it is a foreign individual or legal entity that cannot have building rights certificates,” Nusron said.

The minister also revealed that the land on Pulau Panjang, Sumbawa, West Nusa Tenggara, is not yet registered in the Ministry’s registration map. “So, Pulau Panjang cannot be sold,” he reiterated. 

He added that he has not been able to check the other three islands reportedly offered for sale because the advertisements on the website do not specify the exact island or land area.

Tempo attempted to confirm the island advertisements by emailing the address listed on the Private Islands Online website, but no response was given.

According to its website, Private Islands Online is an international property website founded by Private Islands Inc., exclusively dedicated to island properties.