Permits Incomplete, KKP Temporarily Seals Utilisation of Umang Island
Jakarta (ANTARA) - The Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries (KKP) has temporarily sealed the utilisation activities on Umang Island in Pandeglang Regency, Banten, because the operator has not completed the required permits for business operations on small islands.
The Director General of Marine Resources and Fisheries Supervision (PSDKP) of KKP, Pung Nugroho Saksono, stated that the action was taken after following up on viral information on social media regarding the offering of Umang Island.
“(Tuesday) yesterday afternoon, we carried out the sealing on Umang Island, Banten,” said Pung during a press conference in Jakarta on Wednesday.
He stated that the enforcement was conducted to ensure that small island utilisation activities remain in accordance with applicable regulations.
“In supporting economic vibrancy on small islands, we strongly support it, but compliance is non-negotiable,” he said.
Based on KKP’s presentation, Umang Island is located in Pandeglang Regency, Banten Province, with an area of approximately 0.05 square kilometres or 5 hectares, and is 183 kilometres from Jakarta.
The island is managed by PT GSM for tourism activities such as a pier, tourist cottages, glamping, and a resort, and holds a business identification number (NIB) for micro-scale enterprises.
However, KKP’s supervision results show that the operator does not have the document for approval of marine spatial utilisation activity suitability (PKKPRL), recommendation for small islands utilisation, and marine tourism business permit.
“The state has regulations here, where small islands in their management cannot be handled arbitrarily. Just because one has money does not mean they can build freely. There are permits that must be complied with and followed,” he said.
He emphasised that the sealing is not to permanently stop the business, but rather a temporary halt until the permitting obligations are fulfilled.
The Director of Marine Resources Supervision of KKP, Sumono, stated that the step is part of law enforcement as well as business guidance.
“The firm action by PSDKP of the Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries has no intention whatsoever to stop the business. For those without permits, we temporarily halt their activities,” said Sumono.
According to him, business actors have been directed to process the required permitting documents in accordance with provisions.
Meanwhile, KKP’s examination results also indicate no official sale of Umang Island, although previously an advertisement offering the island for Rp65 billion by a property agent had circulated on social media.
“The examination results show that PT GSM is not selling the island online, and the advertisement by the property agent has been removed,” he revealed.
Furthermore, he added that KKP will continue to investigate aspects of the utilisation and ownership of Umang Island to ensure all business activities on small islands operate in accordance with regulations.