BALINEWSID.COM, DENPASAR — A land status dispute involving PT Bali Turtle Island Development (BTID) has escalated after a startling revelation emerged during a public hearing at the Bali Provincial DPRD on Monday, May 4, 2026.

During the hearing conducted by the Special Committee on Spatial Planning, Assets, and Licensing (Pansus TRAP, officials from the Badan Pertanahan Nasional (BPN) offices in Jembrana and Karangasem firmly stated that they had never issued any land certificates related to the land swap (ruislag) claimed by BTID.

The statement was delivered in response to direct questioning from Pansus TRAP Chairman I Made Supartha, who pressed land office representatives on the validity of the documents.

“There are none, Sir,” said I Gede Wita Arsana, Head of the Jembrana Land Office, during the session at the Bali DPRD building.

The assertion was reinforced by a representative from the Karangasem Land Office, who confirmed that there are neither records nor physical certificates of any land swap registered under BTID in their jurisdiction.

The controversy stems from a mangrove land swap scheme in the Serangan Island area, involving both government and private entities. Under the arrangement, BTID reportedly utilized approximately 82 hectares of land for the development of an international marina port, with compensation land allocated in Jembrana (44.4 hectares) and Karangasem (around 42 hectares).

However, field investigations conducted by the Pansus TRAP uncovered indications that the replacement land in both regions lacks a clear legal basis and may be invalid.

The findings have raised concerns over potential regional financial losses and serious administrative violations in land management. The Bali DPRD warned that unclear legal status could have far-reaching implications for regional asset governance and the island’s investment climate.

Responding to the findings, Supartha emphasized that the committee would pursue further investigation through a follow-up hearing.

“We will not remain silent. There are indications of procedural gaps or negligence in asset inventory processes. We will summon all relevant parties again, including BTID management, for deeper clarification,” he said.

A follow-up hearing is scheduled for next week to further examine the facts and determine accountability regarding the alleged lack of legal clarity surrounding the land.

The case has drawn widespread public attention in Bali, as transparency in spatial planning and legal certainty in land ownership remain critical factors in maintaining investor confidence while safeguarding regional assets.