DENPASAR, DEWATA.NEWS – Indonesia’s Minister of Environment and Head of the Environmental Control Agency (BPLH), Hanif Faisol Nurofiq, has reaffirmed the central government’s commitment to closely monitor development projects that may pose risks to the environment, including the ongoing marina project in the Ngurah Rai Grand Forest Park (Tahura Ngurah Rai), Serangan, Bali.
Responding to questions about alleged environmental impacts from the marina development by PT Bali Turtle Island Development (BTID) within the Kura-Kura Bali Special Economic Zone, Hanif stated that his office has not yet received the project’s environmental assessment.
“I have not reviewed it yet. The environmental study has not reached us. Once it does, we will closely oversee it. Natural beauty must not be disturbed and should remain as pristine as possible, because that is what we depend on,” he said on Friday (6/2), during a coastal clean-up activity at Kedonganan Beach, Badung.
Hanif emphasized that the ministry would not hesitate to conduct a re-evaluation or review of environmental permits if any violations of applicable standards or regulations are identified.
“We will not be reluctant to review a company if, during implementation, there are aspects that are not properly observed,” he stressed.
The marina project has recently drawn public attention following a surprise inspection by the Bali Provincial Legislative Council’s Special Committee on Spatial Planning, Regional Assets, and Licensing (Pansus TRAP) on Monday (2/2).
During the inspection, PT BTID’s Head of Licensing, Anak Agung Ngurah Buana, explained that the marina development complies with existing laws and regulations. He noted that since 2021, all marine space utilization projects are required to obtain Marine Spatial Use Approval (KKPRL) from the Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries.
“We planned the marina development in a marine space that has already received approval from the ministry. All licensing procedures have been completed, including KSUP and other required permits, all of which have been issued,” he told members of the special committee.
According to Buana, current on-site activities remain limited to channel deepening and the securing of Building Use Rights (HGB). However, this explanation was met with criticism from the Chair of Pansus TRAP, I Made Supartha, who questioned the legal basis cited by the developer, particularly regarding potential overlaps between spatial planning laws, coastal regulations, and conservation area protections.
“You say it complies with regulations. Which regulations? The spatial planning law dates back to 2006–2007, as do the laws on coastal areas and small islands. This area is a conservation zone,” Supartha said.
He further stressed that mangrove forests and protected forest areas are subject to strong legal protection and must not be repurposed. Referring to forestry and coastal legislation, he underscored that reclamation, land compaction, or functional changes to mangrove areas are explicitly prohibited.
“Mangroves must not be reclaimed or compacted. This is clearly regulated. Do not hide behind permits,” he stated.
Beyond regulatory concerns, Supartha also highlighted what he described as limited public and legislative outreach regarding the project. Although the site falls within Denpasar City’s administrative area, he said its strategic importance extends across Bali.
“The people of Bali must be informed. This concerns the island as a whole, not just one location. How far has socialization gone, both in terms of forest and coastal impacts?” he concluded.