JAKARTA - The Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries (KKP) sealed Umang Island in Pandeglang Regency, Banten, after finding that the location was about to be sold for Rp. 65 billion via social media.
Director General of Marine Resources and Fisheries Supervision (PSDKP) Pung Nugroho Saksono said the island was managed by an individual by PT GSM. However, the manager did not admit that they advertised Umang Island.
"Based on the results of our team's investigation on the ground, the manager stated that they never intended to sell the island through an online site. However, the team found indications of violations of the use of marine space, so it had to be stopped temporarily," said the man who is familiarly called Ipunk in an official statement, Wednesday, April 15.
Based on the results of the investigation, said Ipunk, PT GSM has never uploaded or cooperated with other parties to sell Umang Island and has asked the owners of the relevant social media accounts to take down the advertising sales posts on Instagram social media as of April 7, 2026.
"After being sealed, we will conduct further in-depth research on the regulations and ownership. Don't let it be advertised outside, then (there will be) parties that take advantage, especially foreigners, it's dangerous," he said.
Even so, Ipunk stated that his party supports economic activity on small islands.
"However, compliance is a dead price. It is very important that the use in accordance with the rules means maintaining a balance between economic and ecological aspects," he said.
Meanwhile, the Director of Marine Resources Supervision of the Directorate General of PSDKP KKP Sumono Darwinto asked that the cooperative managers immediately complete all the required permits.
Sealing the island is solely to ensure compliance with the applicable permit.
"We will continue to monitor this process closely to ensure that all activities for the use of marine space around Umang Island run in accordance with the legal corridor," he said.
If the activity carried out is marine tourism, business actors must have a marine tourism business permit from the relevant agency.
KKP ensures that it will continue to provide assistance so that business actors can meet all applicable provisions.
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