DENPASAR, DEWATA.NEWS – Bali Governor Wayan Koster has clarified that the proposed regional regulation on controlling productive land conversion and banning land ownership through nominee arrangements applies exclusively to foreign nationals, not Indonesian citizens.
The statement was delivered during a plenary session of the Bali Regional House of Representatives (DPRD Bali) at the Bali Governor’s Office on Monday (December 22, 2025), in response to general views raised by all parliamentary factions.
“The prohibition on land ownership through nominee arrangements in this draft regulation applies only to foreign nationals,” Koster said.
Rising Land Conversion Raises Food Security Concerns
Koster acknowledged that authorities have identified numerous violations related to land-use conversion across Bali, describing the issue as increasingly urgent.
He warned that unchecked land conversion could pose a serious threat to Bali’s traditional irrigation system, subak, which underpins the island’s agricultural sustainability.
“Land conversion in Bali is happening at a very high rate. If this continues without control, the impact will be severe. One of the main threats is to the subak system,” he said.
According to the governor, a decline in subak-managed farmland would directly reduce local food production. He stressed that Bali must aim beyond basic food security toward long-term food sovereignty.
“We must speak with one voice. What we are pursuing is not just food security, but food sovereignty,” Koster emphasized.
Preventing Dependence on External Food Supplies
Koster warned that without firm regulation, Bali could become increasingly dependent on food supplies from outside the island, creating long-term vulnerabilities.
“It would be dangerous if our society becomes overly dependent on external food sources. If disruptions occur, people could face serious difficulties in meeting basic needs,” he explained.
He called on legislators to jointly oversee the implementation of the regulation, regardless of political affiliation, and urged them not to act as intermediaries for outside interests.
“We must enforce this with courage and firmness. I am in that position now. I am not afraid of anyone as long as this is for the good of Bali,” Koster concluded.