RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - The Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries (KKP) has halted the attempted sale of Umang Island in the Sunda Strait after advertisements offering the island for IDR 65 billion appeared on social media.

Located off the coast of Banten Province, Umang Island is known for its natural beauty and is a popular tourist destination. The ministry confirmed with local management that the island was not being sold and that no cooperation with third parties had been established.

The Directorate General of Marine and Fisheries Resources Supervision (PSDKP) sealed activities on the island following the discovery of the online listing. “We discovered the sale of Umang Island on social media. The government must take action,” said Director General of PSDKP, Pung Nugroho Saksono, in Jakarta on Wednesday, April 15, 2026.

Inspection results showed the island was managed by an individual who lacked the required permits. The manager denied selling the island and claimed no collaboration with other parties. Authorities requested the removal of the advertisement to prevent misuse, particularly by foreign interests.

The ministry announced it would conduct a deeper legal investigation into ownership status and permits. Officials found that the manager had not obtained a Marine Spatial Utilization Activity Conformity Approval (PKKPRL) or permits for small island utilization or water tourism. “We do not tolerate violations on small islands. Management must comply with regulations,” Pung said.

Director of Marine Resources Supervision at the ministry, Sumono Darwinto, urged the manager to cooperate and complete the necessary documents. He emphasized that monitoring would continue to ensure compliance. “We will closely monitor this process. All use of marine space must comply with regulations,” he said.

Covering about five hectares, Umang Island lies roughly 120 kilometers from Serang, the capital of Banten Province, and is widely recognized as a scenic beach tourism destination. (Misni Parjiati/Lasti Martina)