Since selling islands to non-natives is actually prohibited under Indonesian law, potential buyers can bid on shares in an Indonesian company with development rights, according to the Sotheby’s website. The Widi Reserve is “an example of man’s ability to live in true harmony with the natural world”. PT. Leadership Islands Indonesia (LII) has spent several years designing one of the “greenest luxury resorts” in the world.
In addition, the coral atoll is home to an “animal kingdom of immense proportions, hundreds of rare and endangered species, including blue whales, whale sharks, 600 documented species of marine mammals, fish, birds, insects and lizards, as well as species still to be discovered.”
In addition to ecolodges and private island settlements, bidders will also receive a “wide range of sustainable and responsible business opportunities with attractive potential returns.” The local population will also “benefit significantly” from the training and various job opportunities. The project is “one of the most important missions for the protection and sustainable development of a new generation”.
Getty Images/Georgette Douwma Indonesia has declared a fifth of its coastal waters as protected zones
NGO: Government will investigate sale
While making reference to a consistently sustainable concept, modern research programs and a team of experts dedicated to nature conservation, the ad has drawn criticism from Indonesian organizations. Mohamad Abdi Suhufan of Destructive Fishing Watch Indonesia called on the Indonesian government to investigate the sale. The project “caused controversy and attracted the attention of the Indonesian public”.
Although environmental protection is planned on paper, private ownership of the islands would have “social and economic” consequences. “Fishing areas that have been used by fishermen for generations are being restricted,” he told the Guardian. “The social impact of this plan will outweigh the environmental benefits. Currently, the government is aggressively soliciting foreign investment to generate government revenue. No rules must be changed to approve this plan.”
“How can we guarantee that these islands are not exploited for tourist activities? What about community access when the islands become private property?” environmentalist Ivan Sofiavan asked The Guardian.
IMAGO/imagebroker/Flpa/Colin Marshall Indonesian fishermen worry about their places
Sotheby’s: less than 1% of the rainforest
Charlie Smith, deputy managing director of Sotheby’s Concierge Auctions, told The Guardian in writing that Indonesian developer LII “will be actively involved and not divest from the whole project”.
In addition, the offer includes “less than 1 percent of the rainforest” and “0.005 percent of the entire reserve”, with areas closed to tourists and restrictions on guests. The police and navy would cooperate on controls, and research programs are also planned for the second year.
It’s necessary, Smith said, because the reserve has long been under pressure from shark trapping, deforestation and poaching, which are threatening species. “If it is not touched, the pressure on the reserve will only continue and probably increase”, defended the project to the “Guardian”.
100,000 euros as starting price
While Sotheby’s website does not indicate an expected starting price, bidders must pay a $100,000 (€95,290) deposit. The auction starts at 4:00 am ET on Dec. 8, and the winner will have to invest “a significant sum” in developing the project, according to Smith.