BTID Absent from Discussion on Mangrove Case with TRAP Special Committee, Council Raises Ethics Issue

The management of PT Bali Turtle Island Development (BTID) did not attend the Hearing (RDP) held by the Special Committee (Pansus) on Spatial Planning, Assets, and Permits (TRAP) of the Bali DPRD. The meeting was intended to discuss the alleged land swapping case involving mangrove areas in the Serangan region, Denpasar.

Secretary of Pansus TRAP, I Dewa Nyoman Rai, expressed regret over the absence of BTID representatives at the meeting concerning an environmental issue that has captured public attention. He also raised concerns about the ethics of the management of the Kura Kura Bali Special Economic Zone (KEK).

“Today, BTID did not attend this moment of accountability, which we have long considered problematic. However, they did not attend with a classic excuse. It is reasonable, but it cannot be accepted ethically,” said Rai at the Bali DPRD office on Monday (4/5/2026).

This RDP was scheduled to seek direct explanations from BTID regarding the polemic of land swapping by BTID in the Karangasem and Jembrana areas. Due to BTID’s absence, the Council decided to postpone the discussion and reschedule it for next week.

Pansus TRAP emphasised the importance of preserving the ecological function of mangrove areas. This follows allegations of mangrove forest clearance by BTID in Serangan, Denpasar.

Rai asserted that the mangrove areas cannot be replaced through a land swapping scheme. He warned that activities damaging or altering the function of such areas could potentially violate the law.

In addition, Pansus TRAP questioned the permitting process, which was deemed too hasty. Based on gathered data, BTID’s spatial application submitted on 9 May 2023 was reportedly approved within one week.

“We want to know what was done in that one week for the permit to be issued immediately? What is behind such a rapid process?” said Rai in bewilderment.

“Has that recommendation gone through the Governor? Because according to the rules, the Governor has the authority. It should not stop at the departmental level,” he added.

Chairman of Pansus TRAP of the Bali DPRD, I Made Suparta, confirmed that the RDP with BTID would be rescheduled for next week. In line with the mechanism, Suparta stated that summons would be issued a maximum of three times.

Suparta stressed that the RDP is important to hear direct explanations from BTID regarding land swapping, marina activities, and alleged mangrove clearance. “Our conclusion is to summon them again on Monday. It was postponed because BTID did not attend,” he said briefly.

Previously, Pansus TRAP of the Bali DPRD temporarily halted the marina project run by PT BTID in the Kura-Kura Bali KEK, Serangan, Denpasar. This decision was based on field evaluations by the Pansus TRAP team, which found alleged discrepancies between administrative documents, including the mangrove land swapping process.

Pansus TRAP also checked reports from residents of Serangan Village regarding alleged mangrove forest clearance in the coastal area. The Council witnessed land that was previously covered with mangrove trees being cleared and filled with sand.