No island in Indonesia can be fully owned as private property, a government official affirmed on Monday, following reports that four islands in Anambas District, Riau Islands, were listed for sale online.
“In principle, private parties cannot own an entire island. Our law limits private ownership to a maximum of 70 percent of an island’s area,” said Deputy Home Affairs Minister Bima Arya Sugiarto.
He clarified that while land or portions of islands may be rented or leased, all transactions must comply with existing regulations.
“Everything is regulated—no island can be fully owned,” Sugiarto reiterated, adding that the government will identify and monitor regions requiring special attention amid the controversy, which surfaced on a Canada-based real estate website.
The Ministry of Home Affairs is currently gathering more information before taking concrete action, he added.
Earlier, the Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries (KKP) also confirmed that the four islands—Rintan, Mala, Tokongsendok, and Nakob—are designated state assets located within a conservation zone, making them ineligible for private ownership.
“Business actors interested in utilizing these islands must obtain permits from the KKP and local authorities,” said Semuel Sandi Rundupadang, head of the KKP’s Batam Marine Resources Monitoring Base, on June 18.
He added that no unauthorized activity had been detected on the islands.
That same day, the Regional Border Agency (BP2D) of Riau Islands reported coordinating with local authorities regarding the matter.
“After receiving reports of the online listing of islands in Anambas District, we reached out to the district head to verify the claims,” said BP2D Head Doli Boniara.
He added that his office has also been in contact with the Riau Islands provincial government to follow up on the issue.
Related news: Indonesia confirms islands not for sale amid online listings
Related news: Four disputed islands declared part of Aceh's administrative area
Translator: Rubby J, Tegar Nurfitra
Editor: Anton Santoso
Copyright © ANTARA 2025
