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| No Legal Basis for Island Privatization in Indonesia, Ministry Official Clarifies Amid Viral Foreign Listings. |
Selling Islands in Indonesia? Government Says It’s Illegal and Misleading
The internet is once again buzzing with claims of private islands in Indonesia being up for sale—especially on foreign websites. These listings have stirred concern and confusion among the public. But are they legit? Can someone actually buy an island in Indonesia?
According to the Indonesian government, the answer is a firm no.
Harison Mocodompis, Head of Public Relations and Protocol at the Ministry of Agrarian Affairs and Spatial Planning/National Land Agency (ATR/BPN), clarified that no law in Indonesia permits the privatization of entire islands.
“There is no legal foundation for such privatization. It's simply not possible to privatize an island in full,” Harison stated during an interview with Radio Sonora on July 3, 2025.
What the Law Actually Says: 70% Usage Limit, 30% Must Stay Public
Regulations regarding the use of small islands and coastal areas are outlined in Ministerial Regulation No. 17 of 2016. Under Article 9, paragraphs 2 to 5, individuals or legal entities may only utilize up to 70% of a small island’s total area.
The remaining 30% is non-negotiable—it must be reserved for public access, environmental conservation, and other national interests under government control.
“That 30% is mandatory. It’s set aside for public areas, conservation, and state use,” Harison emphasized.
So, even if someone wanted to invest or build on a private portion of an island, owning 100% of it is legally impossible.
Most Listings Come From Unverified Foreign Websites
Harison also pointed out that most of the websites advertising “islands for sale” are operated outside of Indonesia. The credibility of both the information and the individuals posting it remains highly questionable.
“These are mostly foreign sites. We can’t even confirm whether the posters are Indonesian or not,” he said.
This makes it difficult to track the legitimacy of the offers, leading to widespread misinformation.
Public Urged to Be Cautious and Defend National Sovereignty
The Ministry of ATR/BPN is calling on the public to stay vigilant and avoid being misled by these island sale claims online. Harison urged all stakeholders—including regional governments—to collaborate in protecting Indonesia’s land rights and national sovereignty.
“We hope this issue sparks greater coordination among government bodies to not only address these misleading sales but also to ensure long-term land protection and public welfare,” Harison concluded.
If you see a “private island for sale in Indonesia” online, take it with a grain of salt. Indonesian law protects its islands from full privatization, and any claims suggesting otherwise are likely false or misleading. Always verify land-related information through official government sources.
For updates on land rights, regulations, and legal land ownership in Indonesia, follow trusted news outlets or check the official site of the Ministry of ATR/BPN.