Bali's Provincial Parliament Special Committee on Regional Regulation Enforcement (TRAP) convened a crucial public hearing at the Parliament Building on Thursday, 29 January, to address mounting concerns over unauthorised developments within the Ngurah Rai Forest Reserve (Tahura).
The parliamentary panel is examining multiple commercial establishments suspected of breaching spatial planning regulations and operating without proper permits in the protected mangrove ecosystem.
Following reports that PT Bali Turtle Island Development (BTID) has gained control of 82 hectares of mangrove forest within the Kura-Kura Bali Special Economic Zone (KEZ), the committee has announced plans for an unscheduled site inspection.
The hearing summoned representatives from several enterprises operating within the Tahura boundaries, including Bali Siki Residential Estate, Kampung Kepiting, Mooncat Turtle Breeding Centre, Bali Galeria Shopping Centre, Harvest Land Jimbaran, Wijaya Berlian Residence, and PT Anugerah Sarana Propertindo.
Committee Chair I Made Supartha emphasised the irreplaceable ecological functions of mangrove ecosystems, highlighting their capacity to sequester hundreds of tonnes of carbon dioxide per hectare whilst simultaneously generating oxygen and safeguarding coastal communities from natural disasters including floods and tsunamis.
"These mangrove ecosystems possess extraordinary environmental value. A single hectare can absorb nearly 400 tonnes of carbon. Given their permanent conservation status, absolutely no activities that damage or alter the function of these areas can be tolerated," Supartha stated emphatically.
The leader of the PDI Perjuangan faction within Bali's Provincial Parliament drew particular attention to the Ngurah Rai Forest Reserve's approximately 1,373.5-hectare expanse, noting that current legislation explicitly prohibits both land certification and reclamation activities within these boundaries. He described the territory as Bali's final remaining protected coastal corridor requiring absolute preservation.
The parliamentary committee is currently conducting detailed investigations into areas where mangrove conservation zones, the Forest Reserve, and commercial development activities intersect, particularly throughout Denpasar and Badung districts. Supartha confirmed the investigation aims to prevent any conversion of mangrove territories to alternative uses.
"Our objective is to ensure complete regulatory compliance. We shall thoroughly examine these overlapping zones to maintain the mangroves' conservation status," he explained.
"The Forest Reserve territory cannot be issued land certificates, cannot undergo reclamation, and cannot be subject to land consolidation or any other modification. These requirements are mandated by law and demand our collective protection," Supartha added.
He reiterated that mangrove conservation areas hold permanent protected status under national legislation, making any functional conversion strictly prohibited.
Multiple regulations govern mangrove ecosystem protection, spanning from Bali Provincial ordinances through to national legislation. The legal framework includes Law Number 27 of 2007 concerning Coastal Areas and Small Islands (subsequently amended by Law Number 1 of 2014), Spatial Planning Law Number 26 of 2007, and Environmental Protection Law Number 32 of 2009.
Thursday's hearing was chaired by Committee Chair I Made Supartha, accompanied by Committee Secretary Dr Somvir and I Dewa Nyoman Rai, along with members I Ketut Rochineng and I Gede Harja Astawa.
Committee Secretary Dr Somvir confirmed that an unannounced site inspection of the Kura-Kura Bali KEZ will precede any formal proceedings.
"We'll await clarity following the site inspection. Since we've received public complaints, we're moving directly to find solutions," Dr Somvir explained following Thursday's hearing.
Dr Somvir indicated the committee would complete all scheduled hearings concerning Tahura-related issues before proceeding with the inspection. Following the site visit, PT BTID representatives from the Kura-Kura Bali KEZ will be summoned for formal questioning.
"If we maintain sufficient momentum, we'll proceed immediately. Otherwise, we'll schedule for next week. There's considerable work ahead, including resolving the long-standing Bali Handara matter," he noted.
Approximately 82 hectares of Ngurah Rai Forest Reserve mangrove territory has allegedly transferred to PT BTID's control within the Kura-Kura Bali Special Economic Zone. Whilst information regarding PT BTID's control of mangrove land has circulated for some time, specific details about the territory's extent and legal foundations only emerged following the parliamentary committee's investigation.
"Initial public reports suggested 62 hectares. Our investigation revealed the actual figure reaches 82 hectares a substantial area," Dr Somvir disclosed on Wednesday, 28 January.
Deputy Chair of Badung Parliament's First Commission, I Gusti Lanang Umbara, attended the hearing and expressed complete support for the provincial committee's enforcement efforts regarding spatial planning, regional assets, and licensing regulations within the Ngurah Rai Forest Reserve.
He confirmed Badung Parliament shares identical views, particularly concerning environmental oversight and public safety functions.
"Mangrove forests represent a precious gift to Bali. Their carbon sequestration and ecosystem maintenance functions are exceptional. Where damage has occurred, we must pursue restoration to original conditions wherever possible," he emphasised.
Lanang Umbara highlighted specific concerns regarding residential estates and land parcel sales in the Sari Jimbaran area, which face suspected legal irregularities. He argued that residents constitute the primary victims, having purchased properties based on certificates later discovered to contain legal defects.
"Residents bear no responsibility. They purchased properties with valid certificates. The investigation must focus on those who issued and traded problematic certificates. We cannot allow ordinary citizens to become victims of land malpractice," he stated.
Regarding coastal community activities, particularly fishing groups operating within Tahura boundaries, Badung Parliament has requested balanced policies that uphold legal standards whilst protecting traditional livelihoods.
Lanang Umbara cited turtle conservation activities as an example, noting that whilst sea turtles hold protected species status, they simultaneously possess social and cultural significance within Balinese traditional communities.
"We must maintain legal rigour whilst also protecting community welfare. We should establish legal pathways enabling communities to prosper and innovate without violating regulations," he urged.
Badung Parliament, Lanang Umbara confirmed, stands prepared to coordinate and collaborate with the provincial TRAP committee and relevant technical departments to thoroughly investigate suspected violations, ensuring policies ultimately serve both environmental conservation and community interests.
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