Anambas Island surfaces on Canadian site sparking legal and sovereignty concerns in Indonesia
A tropical island in Indonesia’s Anambas Regency was allegedly listed for sale on a Canadian website, sparking legal, environmental, and sovereignty concerns amid strict foreign ownership laws.
Tropical Paradise or Legal Gray Zone?
A remote island cluster in the Anambas Regency, part of Indonesia’s Riau Islands Province, has triggered national concern after being allegedly listed for sale on Private Islands Online, a Canada-based real estate website specializing in private island transactions. The two tropical islands, advertised as pristine and ideal for eco-resorts, are situated approximately 200 miles from Singapore — a prime location for investors but a legal minefield for Indonesia.
A Foreign Listing, Domestic Discontent
The island listing on https://www.privateislandsonline.com describes:
- A 141-hectare main island with lush forests, natural beaches, and a central lagoon
- A smaller 18-hectare neighboring island, potentially connected by a wooden bridge
- Ownership offered via company shares, with a note that two companies involved are transitioning into PT PMA (foreign investment companies)
Though the website omits any price tag, it paints the islands as Southeast Asia’s hidden gem, comparable to nearby luxury retreats like Bawah Reserve. Promotional content further suggests accessible transport links, including seaplane flights from Batam, regional cruise lines, and fast ferry services.
Local Officials and Legal Constraints
Doli Boniara, Head of the Border Management Agency (BP2D) of the Riau Islands Province, stated on June 16, 2025, that he was unaware of any authorized sale. He clarified that no Indonesian regulation permits the free sale of islands, especially to foreign nationals.
“Foreigners are not allowed to own islands in Indonesia,” he emphasized, citing Law No. 27/2007 on Coastal and Small Island Management and Ministerial Regulation No. 10/2024 on the Use of Small Islands and Surrounding Waters.
Ownership vs. Lease: A Legal Distinction
While Indonesian law prohibits foreign ownership of land, it does allow long-term leases under corporate entities. The Anambas island listing appears to exploit this nuance by offering “shares” rather than full title — a legal gray area still perceived by many as circumventing national laws.
The site also reassures potential buyers that beach zones, coral reefs, and tidal areas remain public property under Indonesian law — an apparent attempt to address sovereignty concerns.
Environmentalists Raise the Red Flag
The listing references Pulau Durai, known for its turtle conservation efforts, heightening concerns among environmental groups. Activists warn that selling or leasing such ecologically sensitive zones threatens marine biodiversity and undermines Indonesia’s conservation programs.
Local communities have joined the chorus, demanding government transparency and immediate investigation into the legitimacy of the listing.
The alleged online sale of Anambas islands is more than a real estate controversy — it is a flashpoint for national sovereignty, foreign investment regulation, and environmental protection. As Indonesia navigates global investment interests and legal loopholes, this incident serves as a crucial reminder of the thin line between development and exploitation — particularly when tropical paradise becomes a digital listing.
Sources: Batam News Online (2025) , CNN Indonesia (2025)
Keywords: Anambas Islands, Private Island Sale, Foreign Ownership Law, Indonesia Marine Conservation, Online Island Listing
