JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com - A row of mangroves in the Kura Kura Bali\nSpecial Economic Zone (SEZ), on Serangan Island, Denpasar, Bali,\nsuddenly became the centre of attention after allegations of mangrove\ntree felling prompted a temporary sealing by supervisory\nauthorities.<\/p>\n
Field findings not only implicated environmental issues but also\nreopened debates on permits, marine space utilisation, and land swaps in\nthe area managed by PT Bali Turtle Island Development (BTID).<\/p>\n
The controversy began when the Special Committee on Spatial Planning,\nPermits, and Assets (Pansus TRAP) of the Bali Provincial Parliament\nconducted a surprise inspection at the Kura Kura Bali SEZ marina area on\nThursday (23\/4\/2026).<\/p>\n
The raid was initially aimed at observing marina construction\nactivities, but community reports directed the committee to another\nlocation in the BTID area.<\/p>\n
At that point, the Chairman of Pansus TRAP of the Bali DPRD, I Made\nSupartha, admitted to being shocked by the condition of the mangroves\nthat had been felled and parts of the land compacted.<\/p>\n
The atmosphere grew tense when BTID representatives claimed the area\nwas on land with Building Use Rights Certificate (SHGB) status.<\/p>\n
BTID\u2019s Head of Licensing Department, Anak Agung Ngurah Buana, stated\nthat mangrove cutting was permissible if on the company\u2019s private\nland.<\/p>\n
\u201cIf it\u2019s in the Tahura area, that\u2019s correct. We admit it. But if on\nprivate land (SHGB), it can be done (cutting mangroves),\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
That statement was immediately refuted by the committee. Supartha\nemphasised that mangroves must not be felled because they have important\necological functions as erosion barriers, tsunami protectors, marine\nhabitats, and water absorption areas.<\/p>\n
\u201cMangroves must not be compacted. They were just cut and then\ncompacted. This is real evidence,\u201d he said while pointing to the area\nalleged to have been damaged.<\/p>\n
The Secretary of Pansus TRAP, I Dewa Nyoman Rai, also questioned the\nlegal basis deemed to allow mangrove clearance in SHGB areas.<\/p>\n
\u201cUnder the law, not even a single mangrove stem may be cut,\u201d he\nsaid.<\/p>\n
Residents of Serangan Island who were present during the raid also\nvoiced their concerns.<\/p>\n
The mangrove clearance activities are said to be narrowing the living\nspace for shrimp and crab fishermen and disrupting an area long\nconsidered vital for coastal life.<\/p>", "url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/balis-kura-kura-sez-sealed-after-mangrove-clearance-marina-activities-and-permits-under-scrutiny-1778572371", "image": "" }, "sponsor": "Okusi Associates", "sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com" }