PT Bali Turtle Island Development (BTID – the officially appointed developer and manager of the Kura Kura Bali Special Economic Zone – (SEZ-KEK) enthusiastically welcomed a working visit by the Special {Task Force on Zoning Bali’s Regional People’s Representative Assembly (Pansus TRAP -DPRD) on Monday, 02 February 2026.
BTID’s Chief Commissioner, Tantowi Yahya, described the legislators’ visit as an excellent opportunity to explain the details and circumstances regarding the highly publicized mangrove forests within the Kura Kura Bali – Special Economic Zone.
“We were deeply honored to be allowed to welcome the Zoning, Assets, and Permits Special Task Force members of Bali’s DPRD in order to clarify matters connected to the 82 hectares of mangrove forest ‘taken’ by BTID. Although the term ‘taken’ has negative connotations, we are happy to provide a full clarification.”
Continuing, Tantowi said, first and foremost, it must be understood that, in order for any area to be declared a “Special Economic Zone” (SEZ), it must be free of any encumbrances arising from outstanding violations of established laws and regulations. The Special Economic Zone was established to build a stronger, sustainable, and more prosperous Bali.
“We again explained to the Task Force that in order for an area to become a Special Economic Zone (SEZ), it must be completely free from any violations. Special Economic Zones are places that absorb labor, benefit the surrounding area, and do not rely solely on tourism,” explained Tantowi.
Continuing, Tantowi said: “The manifestation of this sustainability commitment is already visible on the ground at Turtle Island. Currently, the Kura Kura Bali SEZ has demonstrated a real commitment by planting more than 700,000 thriving plants that are greening the area. As many as 160 bird species have been identified, proving that the area’s ecosystem remains healthy and well-maintained.”
BTID’s continuing and sustainable commitment was recently demonstrated with the inauguration of a Wastewater Treatment Plant built in cooperation with the Biosystem Group. This facility uses two Air Recirculation Bioreactors (ARBs), a technology capable of processing and recycling 1,100 and 1,200 cubic meters of wastewater daily in a bio-friendly manner that does not pollute the surrounding ecosystem.
BTID’s serious focus on sustainable environmental conservation also includes their commitment to host the coming establishment of the International Mangrove Research Center (IMRC). The IMRC is targeted to become a global center for mangrove and oceanic research, supporting the Provincial Authorities’ goal of protecting and preserving the Tahura Ngurah Rai Mangrove Reserve.
During the inspection visit, the Task Force’s Chairman, I Made Supartha, said the dialogue with the BTID, as the manager of Kura Kura Bali, was necessary to maintain transparency within the community, given the vital role mangrove forests play for Bali and the wider community.
“We must engage in dialogue. Without dialogue, there are no solutions. As Indonesian citizens, we are polite and prioritize deliberation and consensus. Even if there are differences, such different views are, I think, natural,” Supartha added.
Addressing the topic of the 82.14 hectares of land allegedly “taken” by BTID, the Head of the BTID Licensing Department, Anak Agung Ngurah Buana, explained that the figures currently circulating about the mangrove area exchange are inaccurate. Based on a Minister of Forestry letter dated 12 August 1997, PT BTID was granted permission to use an 80.14-hectare forest area on Serangan Island in exchange for the development of a separate parcel of land owned by PT BTID, located in areas of Bali outside Kura Kura Island.
Later, a Minister of Forestry’s Decree dated 19 October 2004 amended the earlier decree. exchanging approximately 62.14 hectares located on Serangan Island. This plot consisted of 58 hectares of water and 4 hectares of mangrove forest.
“Due to the lack of sufficient replacement land, the Ministry of Forestry ultimately approved 62.14 hectares,” he said.
Supporting the arrangement, the Head of Serangan Traditional Village, I Nyoman Gede Pariartha, emphasized that BTID activities fall within the jurisdiction of the Serangan Traditional Village. He also said he hopes that the government will focus on the current problems facing the community, particularly waste management, so that the resulting solutions can address real needs on the ground.
Regarding the land swap, Tantowi Yahya emphasized that the entire process was carried out in accordance with the applicable regulations. “We have fulfilled all our obligations as citizens and investors. There were no illegal actions undertaken in developing this area,” he insisted.
The Special Economic Zone (SEZ) was established by the Central Government under laws to provide tangible benefits to the community. Through targeted investment development under the supervision of the Special Economic Zone Council, the Kura Kura Bali SEZ is committed to ensuring that all activities are carried out in accordance with regulations. At the same time, the regional government plays an active role through the Regional Council to support and oversee all activities, ensuring that investments comply with regulations, have a positive impact, improve community welfare, strengthen regional competitiveness, and sustain continued growth in added value and economic turnover.
Through this continuing dialogue, all parties hope that the explanations just provided by PT BTID will clarify information currently circulating in the community and encourage the ongoing communication.
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