The Crazy Rich Owner of the Sealed Bali SEZ Due to Mangrove Clearing

For the past few days, the public in Bali has been abuzz with news of the alleged clearing of mangrove forests in the Kura Kura Bali Special Economic Zone (SEZ). The SEZ is located on Serangan Island, within the administrative area of Denpasar City, Bali. Shortly after the suspicions of mangrove tree felling, the SEZ’s operations were sealed by authorities. Field findings not only involve environmental issues but also reopen debates on permitting, sea space utilisation, and land swaps in the area managed by PT Bali Turtle Island Development (BTID). The controversy over the loss of mangroves and the sealing of the Kura Kura SEZ actually stems from a series of unplanned activities by members of the Bali DPRD. At that time, the Special Committee on Spatial Planning, Licensing, and Assets (Pansus TRAP) of the Bali DPRD conducted a surprise inspection at the marina area of the Kura Kura Bali SEZ on Thursday (23/4/2026). 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 cut down and part of the land compacted. “It is clear that mangroves must not be cut. Remember, read that,” said Supartha at the scene, quoted on Tuesday (12/5/2026). The atmosphere became 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 cutting mangroves is 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 (cut mangroves),” he said. That statement was immediately refuted by the committee. Supartha emphasised that mangroves still must not be felled because they have important ecological functions as erosion barriers, tsunami protectors, marine habitats, and water infiltration areas. Compiled from the National SEZ Council Secretariat website, the Kura Kura Bali SEZ is managed and owned by PT Bali Turtle Island Development or PT BTID. In developing this SEZ, PT BTID is also partnering with Japanese property investor Mitsubishi Estate. The development of the SEZ area spans 500 hectares.