A number of Indonesian islands have been found listed for sale or rent on an international website, raising legal and political concerns.
The website, privateislandsonline.com, offers several islands within Indonesian territory, including Panjang Island in West Nusa Tenggara (NTB), for sale with no listed price, stating instead that pricing is “adjusted to demand.”
Panjang Island, located in Labuhan Mapin Village, Alas District, Sumbawa Regency, is described on the site as a “private property island” spanning approximately 3.3 thousand hectares.
However, Indonesian authorities assert that the listing is illegal and in violation of national regulations.
In addition to Panjang Island, four other islands in Indonesia are also being advertised. These include “Island Couple” in the Anambas Islands, “Surf Beach Property” on Sumba Island, and the “Seliu Island Plot” near Belitung Island, as reported by Antara on Tuesday, 24 June 2025.
The Head of the West Nusa Tenggara Communication, Informatics and Statistics Office (Kominfotik), Yusron Hadi, addressed the issue, stating that such transactions are prohibited under Indonesian law.
“Based on the prevailing regulations, ownership of small islands by individuals or corporations is not allowed,” Yusron said in Mataram on Monday, 23 June 2025.
He added that Panjang Island is a conservation area governed by sustainability principles.
“In accordance with applicable regulations, the island may not be utilised for cultivation activities. Therefore, efforts to sell this island can be categorised as illegal actions. Let us together obey the existing regulations,” he said.
This incident echoes previous controversies, such as the online offer of the Widi Islands in North Maluku, and has reignited public concern about the potential misuse or commercial exploitation of small islands in Indonesia.
DPR Speaker Urges Review of Island Registration and Oversight
Chairman of the House of Representatives (DPR), Puan Maharani, has called on the government to conduct a comprehensive review of island administration following the discovery that several islands in the Anambas region of the Riau Islands Province have been listed for sale online.
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Speaking at a press conference on Tuesday, 24 June 2025, Puan urged the government to take immediate steps to improve the management and administrative oversight of the country’s islands.
“Regarding the sale and purchase of islands, of course, it must be re-evaluated how the administration related to the recording of islands,” she said, as reported by Kompas TV.
“We have also asked the government and coordinated with the government to re-evaluate the management and reorganise the administration of the islands in Indonesia,” she added.
Puan also noted that the DPR, through its relevant commissions, would follow up on this matter and ensure proper oversight mechanisms are implemented.
“So later, in accordance with the mechanism, through the relevant commissions and of course what will be done by the government, we will ask for management and administrative arrangements,” she said.
The controversy has led to public questioning over whether the Indonesian government permits the sale of its islands. Officials have clarified that, under Indonesian law, the sale of islands, especially small ones, is not legally permitted.
Rather, national laws regulate the use, management rights, and investment procedures related to small islands.
Legal instruments addressing this issue include:
- Law Number 1 of 2014 on the Management of Coastal Areas and Small Islands,
- Government Regulation Number 18 of 2021 on Land and Management Rights,
- Presidential Regulation Number 34 of 2019 on Transfer of Shares and Land Area in Small Island Utilisation, and
- Minister of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries Regulation Number 10 of 2024 on Utilisation of Small Islands and Surrounding Waters.
These laws collectively prohibit outright ownership while allowing for certain licensed activities under strict regulatory frameworks.
