NTT Provincial Government Searches Sumba Island Sellers On Online Sites

Deputy Governor Of NTT Johni Asadoma/ANTARA/Kornelis Kaha

The East Nusa Tenggara (NTT) Provincial Government is investigating people who sell Sumba islands through online sites, which are being discussed not only verbally but also on social media.

"We are investigating this. We still don't know if it's true or just a fad," said NTT Deputy Governor Johni Asadoma in Kupang, Sunday, June 29, as reported by ANTARA.

This was conveyed in connection with the viral Sumba Island which was sold on online sites spread from East Sumba, West Sumba, Central Sumba and Southwest Sumba (SBD).

According to him, it is impossible for indigenous peoples throughout Sumba Island to be willing to sell or give up the island to be bought by people.

"Never mind indigenous peoples, but the government is also not willing if the island is sold freely, either on online sites or on social media," he added.

The former East Nusa Tenggara Police Chief said the NTT provincial government would continue to find out who caused the scene and noise on social media.

"In my opinion, maybe this is just a prank person who wants to make a scene. But we'll see," he said.

Previously, social media was shocked by the name Sumba Island in NTT, which was sold online on the Private Islands website.

Sumba Island is one of five islands in Indonesia that are sold on the website. Apart from Anambas Island in the Riau Islands, Panjang Island in West Nusa Tenggara, Seliu Island in Bangka Belitung and another location is Surf Beach Property in NTT.