Prosecutor's Office Ends Allegations Of Reclamation Corruption In Gili Gede Waters NTB

The small island's aerial photo archive is thought to have been the result of a reclamation in the Gili Gede waters located in Sekotong District, West Lombok, NTB. ANTARA/HO-NCW.

The West Nusa Tenggara High Prosecutor's Office (Kejati NTB) is investigating the potential for corruption related to the existence of reclamation in the form of a small island suspected of being illegal in Gili Gede waters, West Lombok Regency, NTB.

Assistant for Special Crimes at the NTB Prosecutor's Office, Muh. Zulkifli Said in Mataram, Thursday, said that his party was investigating a criminal incident related to corruption from the existence of the reclamation on the follow-up to public reports.

"There is a road (problem), reclamation, land, there is a dock there too. So, yes, we will trace that matter," said Zulkifli Said.

In handling the report that was ongoing at the investigation stage, he admitted that his party had examined a number of witnesses, both from the relevant agencies to allegations that the private sector was the manager.

From the agency, it was noted that there were a number of former regional officials who had complied with the prosecutor's summons.

First, the former Head of the Environmental and Forestry Service (DLHK) NTB Madani Mukarom. Then, then Gita Ariadi and Mohammad Rum who once held the positions of Head of the NTB Investment and One Stop Integrated Service (DPMPTSP).

The last witness, the Head of the NTB Muslim Maritime Affairs and Fisheries Service (DKP). In Muslim statements, prosecutors get a more in-depth explanation regarding regulations.

The Muslim who was met by journalists after giving a statement to the prosecutor on October 21, 2025, admitted that he was asked for information about reclamation in the form of piles of stones and land in the form of small islands with an area of about 4 are across from the inn area belonging to PT Thamarind Resort in Gili Gede.

"The connection is with the problem whether the activity in Gili Gede is categorized as reclamation or not. That's what is asked," he said.

He said that PT Thamarind Resort had indeed obtained a permit for the location of the waters in 2019.

"The location permit is valid for two years. If in November 2019 the location permit is issued, it means that November 2021 will expire," he said.

However, in 2020 there will be regulations implied in Law Number 11 of 2020 concerning Job Creation.

As the results of a review by the Benoa Marine and Fishery Resources Supervision Base (PSDKP), he said, the water location permit pocketed by PT Thamarind Resort has legal status.

"So, legally the permit is okay. There is no problem, it's just a matter of him (PT Thamarind Resort) adjusting to the derivative rules of Law Number 11 of 2020," he said.

The derivative of the Job Creation Law, he said, relates to Government Regulation Number 21 of 2021 concerning Spatial Planning, PP 5 of 2021 concerning Risk-Based Business Licensing, and PP 27 of 2021 concerning the Implementation of Marine Affairs and Fisheries.

"Well, that's all derivatives of it. Finally, we for permission actually don't have a problem," he said.

Regarding the existence of the small island in the reclamation category, Muslims chose not to comment because it was beyond capacity as an NTB DKP official.

He only emphasized that the provincial government had never issued a reclamation permit for PT Thamarind Resort because referring to Article 2 paragraph (3) of Presidential Decree Number 122 of 2012 concerning the Implementation of Reclamation, the government should not issue a reclamation permit in Gili Gede waters which is categorized as a conservation area and sea flow.

"I don't dare say it's a reclamation or not. What is clear is that he (PT Thamarind Resort) applied for permission for the construction of a dock and water interest. Yes, who knows that (reclamation) is part of the dock, only the span doesn't exist yet," he said.

To get certainty over the matter, Muslims gave advice to prosecutors to ask for an expert opinion.

"This is what I ask for, maybe (can) be discussed with experts. Because my capacity is not there. I am purely talking about the rules, because this is a rule," he said.

For this handling, Muslims firmly support and give appreciation to the prosecutor's office.

"In principle, I appreciate the prosecutor's office for processing all of this. Let it be clear, and there is legal certainty for investment," he said.