BALINEWSID.COM, DENPASAR — A special committee of the Bali Provincial Legislative Council has ordered a temporary halt to the activities of PT Bali Turtle Island Development (BTID) in the Kura-Kura Bali Special Economic Zone in Serangan on Thursday (April 23, 2026), following findings of serious irregularities in a mangrove land swap scheme.

The decision was made by the Special Committee on Spatial Planning, Assets, and Licensing (Pansus TRAP) after a series of field inspections and document reviews indicated discrepancies between the promised land area and its actual realization, as well as indications that replacement land certificates may not exist.

Pansus TRAP Secretary I Dewa Nyoman Rai said the suspension was based on a comprehensive evaluation of administrative processes and on-site conditions.

“We have decided to temporarily shut down activities suspected of having violations or administrative deficiencies, including the land swap, which after field verification was not found to meet expectations,” Rai said.

The committee’s investigation also revealed that the mangrove land swap proposal, initially submitted during a previous gubernatorial administration, had not been thoroughly examined by the provincial government, despite directives from the central government to conduct further studies.

“The request was submitted to the government, and there was even a letter from a ministry instructing further review. However, the provincial government did not conduct a comprehensive assessment,” a committee member said during internal discussions.

Further findings showed significant discrepancies in the implementation of the land swap. Of the total 44 hectares of mangrove land in Jembrana that were supposed to be replaced, only around 18 hectares have reportedly been certified.

“In Jembrana, from the 44 hectares required, only 18 hectares can be proven to have certificates. Even those are located near community land and are not under the name of the party that should receive them,” the member said.

The committee also highlighted the absence of valid replacement land certificates, which are crucial to legitimizing the land swap process.

“If it is proven that the replacement land does not exist, we can request the National Land Agency to revoke the issued certificates,” he added.

Beyond administrative issues, Pansus TRAP raised concerns over alleged violations of mangrove protection regulations, particularly related to reclamation and land compaction activities in a designated area locally known as the “mangkok.”

“The law clearly prohibits cutting mangroves and conducting reclamation in such areas. However, what we see on the ground is the opposite, and this is a serious concern,” he said, referring to Law No. 27 of 2007 on coastal and small island management.

The committee also confirmed that law enforcement authorities have begun taking action, with the case reportedly moving into the investigation stage.

“KPH has taken action, and the process has been escalated to the investigation phase,” he added.

The suspension targets several development points, including marina construction and supporting facilities deemed problematic in terms of legality and spatial planning.

Pansus TRAP Chairman I Made Supartha emphasized that the move reflects the council’s commitment to safeguarding conservation areas and maintaining proper spatial planning in Bali.

“If the area is designated as a supporting zone, it should not be built upon. Especially if it damages mangroves, that clearly violates the law,” Supartha said.

The committee pledged to continue investigating all findings, including reviewing permits and issued certificates, to ensure there are no legal violations that could harm the environment and public interest.

The controversy surrounding the mangrove land swap in Bali is intensifying, as stark differences emerge between the company’s claims and facts uncovered in the field.