Foreigners Physically Control Small Islands in Bali-NTB, Says Minister

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Minister of Agrarian Affairs and Spatial Planning/National Land Agency (ATR/BPN) Nusron Wahid responded to the statement made by Bali Governor I Wayan Koster, who denied allegations of foreign nationals controlling small islands in Bali. Nusron clarified that there might not be official ownership certificates for these islands held by foreigners, but in reality, they are physically controlled by them.

"If we look at it from the perspective of certificates, there are none in Bali or West Nusa Tenggara (NTB). But in reality, they are physically controlled by foreigners. For example, they [Balinese people] are married [with foreigners], or they collaborate with foreigners," Nusron explained after a meeting at the Parliament Complex, Senayan, Jakarta, on Wednesday, July 9, 2025.

Moving forward, Nusron emphasized the need for stricter regulations. He proposed that if Indonesia's outermost islands are to involve collaborations with investors, Indonesians should hold the majority shares.

"If the outermost islands are to be collaborated with investors, if possible, the majority shareholders should not be foreigners. If possible, the majority (shareholders) should be Indonesians," he said.

Nusron previously revealed the alleged control of islands in the NTB and Bali regions by foreign nationals during a meeting with the House of Representatives Commission II on Tuesday, July 1, 2025. He indicated that he would investigate the legal standing of the ownership of these islands.

Nusron further stated that houses and inns have been built on these islands under the names of foreign nationals. However, he stopped short of detailing the locations of these islands.

In response to Nusron's statement, Bali Governor I Wayan Koster denied that small islands in Bali are controlled by foreigners. He clarified that Bali has one main island and surrounding smaller islands such as Nusa Penida, Nusa Lembongan, Nusa Ceningan, and Menjangan.

"None are owned by foreigners. If there are villas there, there is no foreign control; what exists is investment by building tourism facilities, such as hotels, restaurants, and villas," he said on Wednesday, July 2, 2025, as quoted by Antara.

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