BALINEWSID.COM, KARANGASEM –  A controversy surrounding a mangrove land swap in Bali has intensified after a special committee of the Bali Provincial Legislative Council (DPRD) uncovered serious irregularities during a field inspection on Wednesday (April 15, 2026).

The Special Committee on Spatial Planning, Assets, and Licensing (Pansus TRAP) conducted an on-site review in Baturinggit Village, Kubu District, Karangasem Regency, examining land claimed to be a replacement parcel in a land swap scheme involving developer PT BTID.

The inspection was led by committee chairman I Made Supartha, accompanied by Secretary Dewa Nyoman Rai, Deputy Secretary Somvir, and several members of the committee along with relevant regional agencies.

However, findings from the site raised major concerns. The committee concluded that the legal status of the replacement land remains unclear and does not meet fundamental requirements for a lawful land swap.

“The physical condition of the land is unclear, and there is no certificate. How can this be used as a requirement for a land swap?” Supartha said during the inspection.

He emphasized that under land swap regulations, replacement land submitted to the government must have complete legal documentation, including valid ownership certificates. Without these, the process is considered administratively flawed and potentially in violation of regulations.

The committee also questioned the origin of the land claimed by PT BTID, including the legitimacy of its acquisition from local communities. Additional concerns were raised after indications that parts of the conservation area had already been utilized before administrative obligations were fulfilled.

“All obligations should be completed first. Conservation areas cannot be taken before initial requirements are met,” Supartha asserted.

Furthermore, the committee stressed that land used in a swap must not originate from state-owned land or forest areas. Any violation of this principle would render the agreement invalid.

“The agreement is clear: the land handed over must belong to the developer, not the state. If this is violated, it cannot be justified,” he added.

Beyond legal issues, the committee also scrutinized the equivalency of land value, questioning whether the exchanged parcels are comparable and highlighting the lack of clarity in a land acquisition process reportedly ongoing since 1995 but still administratively incomplete.

During the inspection, representatives of PT BTID were unable to provide satisfactory explanations to the committee’s inquiries.

“They could not clearly answer questions regarding the 40.2-hectare land swap,” Supartha said.

Based on these findings, the Pansus TRAP stated it will recommend firm action, including the possible closure of PT BTID’s operations if violations in the land swap process are proven. The allegedly unclear status of the replacement land has even been described as potentially “bogus,” raising concerns of possible losses to the region.

The case has drawn serious attention as it involves mangrove areas with critical ecological functions. The Bali DPRD reaffirmed its commitment to fully oversee the issue to prevent irregularities and ensure environmental preservation on the island.