Indonesia's KKP Clarifies Status of 4 Anambas Islets Listed for Sale Online

TEMPO.CO, Batam - The Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries (KKP) has addressed the online listing of small islands in the Anambas Regency, Riau Islands Province, on the privateislandsonline.com website. The KKP firmly states that Indonesian regulations do not permit the sale of islands.

Doni Ismanto, Special Staff to the Minister of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries for Public Relations and Communication, made this statement via the KKP's official Instagram account, responding to the circulating issue.

"I would like to clarify the issue of the sale of four islands in the Anambas Regency, Riau Islands Province, through an online private site based in Canada," Doni stated on Wednesday, June 18, 2025, as quoted by Tempo.

According to the KKP's investigation, the listings involve not just two islands as initially reported, but four neighboring islands: Pulau Rintan, Pulau Tekongsendok, Pulau Lakok, and Pulau Mala.

"In fact, these four islands are located within the Anambas Island conservation area. Anambas Regency Regional Regulation Number 3 of 2024 concerning the Spatial Planning Plan for 2023-2043 designates the allocation of space for these four islands for tourism," Doni explained.

No Regulations for Island Sales

Doni emphasized that no regulation in Indonesia allows for the buying and selling of islands. "The government provides full protection for small islands, especially concerning national sovereignty. Our regulations primarily govern the management and utilization of small islands, including land ownership, share transfers, and investments," he said.

Although islands can be utilized for investment, full land ownership is not possible. "At least 30 percent of the land must remain under state control for protected areas, public access, and other public interests," Doni emphasized.

Furthermore, he added that 70 percent of the island's area must be allocated for green open spaces. "This regulation reaffirms the government's commitment to maintaining a healthy investment environment in small islands for economic growth and the welfare of the people, while still prioritizing environmental sustainability and national sovereignty," he said.

Islands Still Listed Online

Despite the KKP's clarification and assertions, as of Wednesday night, June 18, 2025, the Anambas islets were still listed on the private island buying, selling, and rental site, privateislandsonline.com.

On the website, the islets are referred to as an "Island Pair," indicating two adjacent islands. Although listed for sale, the site's narrative mentions that the islands are offered for rent as part of an investment opportunity. The claiming party also offers assistance in obtaining permits, and the site explains that their company has agents to facilitate island transactions.

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