BALINEWSID.COM, JEMBRANA — The alleged land swap case involving a mangrove forest area (Tahura) and PT BTID has officially advanced to the investigation stage by the Bali High Prosecutor’s Office.

The development was disclosed by Hesti Sagiri, Head of Division I at the Bali Provincial Forestry and Environment Agency, during a public hearing with the Special Committee on Spatial Planning, Assets, and Licensing of the Bali Regional House of Representatives in Budeng Village Hall, Jembrana District, on Wednesday (April 22, 2026).

Hesti stated that her office, along with several related institutions including the National Land Agency and Forest Area Consolidation Center, is scheduled to undergo questioning by Kejati Bali on April 29 and 30, 2026.

“The case has entered the investigation stage, so we cannot disclose much. We have been asked to prepare all relevant documents,” she said.

She emphasized that the land swap process involving forest areas—particularly mangroves—raises fundamental ecological concerns. Mangrove ecosystems, she noted, cannot be directly exchanged with dry land due to their unique environmental characteristics and high ecological value.

“From an ecological standpoint, mangrove areas are not equivalent if swapped. This is a serious concern,” Hesti stressed.

She also highlighted potential inconsistencies between implementing regulations and higher-level laws, particularly regarding the conversion of conservation forest areas into convertible production forests (HPK).

According to Hesti, any forest release or land swap process must go through an officially established committee with a clear legal basis. Any violations found in the implementation could be subject to legal evaluation.

Separately, Agus Sugianto, Head of the Bali Barat Forest Management Unit (KPH), confirmed that he has also been summoned by Kejati Bali as part of the investigation.

He explained that the case is linked to production forest areas in Jembrana, including replacement land resulting from the swap.

“We were invited for the investigation process related to production forest areas. Our role is mainly in forest management and restoration,” Agus said.

He added that his office currently manages approximately 66 hectares of production forest under RTK 30, part of which has been utilized through social forestry schemes involving local community groups.

Meanwhile, Head of the Jembrana Land Office, I Gde Witha Arsana, confirmed his institution’s involvement in the investigation. He said the agency was tasked with conducting land measurements to clarify the status and location of plots involved in the land swap.

“We were invited to carry out measurements and verify land status, particularly to determine which plots are already certified and which are not,” he explained.

He noted that several land parcels remain uncertified, requiring further verification as part of the ongoing legal process.

All parties involved have been instructed to prepare supporting documents as evidence. Hesti underscored that documentation will play a crucial role in the case, especially given discrepancies that often arise between administrative records and actual field conditions.

“We acknowledge that administrative data does not always match field realities. That is why document verification is essential,” she said.

The DPRD Bali special committee is expected to continue overseeing the case to ensure there are no state losses or violations of community rights.