Bangli Regency Investigates Viral Video of Foreigner Offering Land in Kintamani
A video showing a foreign man promoting the sale of approximately 5,000 square meters of land in Kintamani, Bangli Regency, Bali, has gone viral on social media, raising questions about the legality of foreigners marketing land with freehold (hak milik) status in Indonesia. The Bangli Regency government has launched an investigation but has not yet confirmed the land's exact location or ownership.
A video reportedly filmed in the Kintamani area of Bangli Regency, Bali, has gone viral on Facebook, drawing significant public attention. The footage shows a foreign man standing against the backdrop of the Batur Caldera, promoting a plot of land of roughly 54 are (about 5,000 square meters), described as having one of the best views in Kintamani and suitable for property development.
Under Indonesian law, foreigners are not permitted to directly hold land with 'hak milik' (freehold) status. As a result, the video sparked concern online over its apparent implication that a foreigner was marketing freehold land, raising questions about legality.
In response, Bangli Regent Sang Nyoman Sedana Arta confirmed that the local Communication and Information Office (Kominfo) is investigating the matter. However, he said the exact location and ownership of the land shown in the video have not yet been confirmed.
The Regent noted that areas along the Denpasar-Singaraja route near Penelokan do fall within zones permitted for development under the regional spatial plan (RTRW), subject to certain conditions. However, he stressed this does not validate the claims made in the video, since the owner and coordinates remain unverified. He added that the area contains a mix of state-owned forest land and privately owned freehold land, and that the video could simply be promotional content without factual basis.
Things to Consider
Foreigners considering property investment in Bali should never rely solely on social media promotions or informal brokers. Always independently verify land ownership status, zoning, and coordinates through a licensed notary (notaris) and the National Land Agency (BPN). Since foreigners cannot directly hold freehold (hak milik) land, use only legal structures such as leasehold agreements or a properly established PT PMA, and consult an independent lawyer before signing any contract.
Source: Sinar Harapan