Kepri Provincial Government investigates social media claims of Katang Island sale
Tanjungpinang (ANTARA) - The Kepri Provincial Government is investigating claims of Katang Island being sold on social media following the circulation of advertisements for the island online.
‘Indeed, advertisements for Katang Island are circulating on social media. We will continue to monitor and take necessary actions in accordance with applicable regulations,’ said Hendri Kurniadi, Head of the Kepri Communication and Information Agency (Diskominfo), when contacted in Tanjungpinang on Thursday.
Hendri stated that legally, an island cannot be fully owned by an individual or private entity, let alone sold to others.
According to him, what is typically sold is the right to build (HGB) or right to cultivate (HGU) over the land on the island, not the island itself.
‘The government can also revoke HGB/HGU permits if they are not used for their intended purpose or harm public interests,’ he added.
‘Such island sale advertisements frequently appear on social media, but the authenticity of documents and permit status must be verified directly with BPN Lingga and Kepri PMPTSP Agency,’ Hendri said.
He added that island sales in Kepri often become sensitive issues due to the province’s strategic geographic location near international borders.
Hendri also urged the public not to readily believe claims of island sales in Kepri, especially via social media.
‘In the era of digital disruption, the public must be more prudent when dealing with issues circulating on social media. The truth must be verified first to avoid falling for hoaxes,’ he said.
In the posts, the account described Katang Island as suitable for a private island, with plans for resort and exclusive tourism development.
Katang Island is located at the entrance to Lingga Regency and near Benan Island, known as one of Kepri’s marine tourism destinations.
The small island was previously developed as a tourism investment area by PT Angkasa Wijaya Group (AWG) in 2023.
The company planned to build a resort and over 100 Kepri-style Malay villas on 73 hectares of land.