Bali's Kura Kura SEZ Sealed After Mangrove Clearance, Marina Activities and Permits Under Scrutiny

JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com - A row of mangroves in the Kura Kura Bali Special Economic Zone (SEZ), on Serangan Island, Denpasar, Bali, suddenly became the centre of attention after allegations of mangrove tree felling prompted a temporary sealing by supervisory authorities.

Field findings not only implicated environmental issues but also reopened debates on permits, marine space utilisation, and land swaps in the area managed by PT Bali Turtle Island Development (BTID).

The controversy began when the Special Committee on Spatial Planning, Permits, and Assets (Pansus TRAP) of the Bali Provincial Parliament conducted a surprise inspection at the Kura Kura Bali SEZ marina area on Thursday (23/4/2026).

The raid was initially aimed at observing marina construction activities, but community reports directed the committee to another location in the BTID area.

At that point, the Chairman of Pansus TRAP of the Bali DPRD, I Made Supartha, admitted to being shocked by the condition of the mangroves that had been felled and parts of the land compacted.

The atmosphere grew tense when BTID representatives claimed the area was on land with Building Use Rights Certificate (SHGB) status.

BTID’s Head of Licensing Department, Anak Agung Ngurah Buana, stated that mangrove cutting was permissible if on the company’s private land.

“If it’s in the Tahura area, that’s correct. We admit it. But if on private land (SHGB), it can be done (cutting mangroves),” he said.

That statement was immediately refuted by the committee. Supartha emphasised that mangroves must not be felled because they have important ecological functions as erosion barriers, tsunami protectors, marine habitats, and water absorption areas.

“Mangroves must not be compacted. They were just cut and then compacted. This is real evidence,” he said while pointing to the area alleged to have been damaged.

The Secretary of Pansus TRAP, I Dewa Nyoman Rai, also questioned the legal basis deemed to allow mangrove clearance in SHGB areas.

“Under the law, not even a single mangrove stem may be cut,” he said.

Residents of Serangan Island who were present during the raid also voiced their concerns.

The mangrove clearance activities are said to be narrowing the living space for shrimp and crab fishermen and disrupting an area long considered vital for coastal life.