German national Charged with Illegal Land Conversion in Bali’s Ubud Region
In a significant advancement, Bali Police have charged AF, a 53-year-old German national, with illegally converting agricultural land for the construction of a villa in Ubud, Gianyar. The case, which has drawn widespread attention, highlights the ongoing tension between development and environmental preservation in the region.
According to Police Chief Inspector General Daniel Adityajaya, AF constructed the villa without the necessary permits on protected rice fields and designated agricultural land. The land in question falls under the food crop zone (P1) and is located on Jalan Sri Wedari in Ubud. “The suspect’s actions involved the construction of a villa, a spa center, and a livestock farm,” Chief Daniel stated in an official release on january 28, 2025.
The examination was launched following a police report filed on November 25, 2024, and revealed that the construction spanned 1.8 hectares of land. AF, who serves as the Director of PT. Parq Ubud Partners, PT. Tomorrow Land Development Bali, and PT. Alfa Management Bali, allegedly extended the construction beyond the P1 zone, encroaching into both the plantation zone (P3) and the tourism zone.
police records indicate the existence of 34 land ownership certificates (SHM),and 28 witnesses have been interviewed as part of the investigation. AF’s actions have reportedly led to a reduction in agricultural land in Bali,raising concerns about the island’s sustainability.
Consequently, AF faces charges under Article 109 in conjunction with Article 19 paragraph (1) of Law number 22 of 2019 concerning the Sustainable Agricultural Cultivation System, as amended by Law Number 6 of 2023 on Job Creation. Additionally,he is charged under Article 72 in conjunction with Article 44 paragraph (1) of Law Number 41 of 2009 concerning the Protection of Sustainable Food Agricultural Land,as amended by the same law.
This case underscores the challenges Bali faces in balancing development with environmental conservation. For more updates on this story, follow Tempo on Google news.
| Key Details | Facts |
|——————|—————–|
| Suspect | AF, 53-year-old German national |
| Location | Jalan Sri wedari, Ubud, Gianyar |
| Land Area | 1.8 hectares |
| Charges | Illegal land conversion under multiple laws |
| Companies Involved | PT. Parq Ubud Partners, PT. Tomorrow Land Development Bali, PT. Alfa Management Bali |
For further reading, check out Bali Police Arrest German Man Who Built Unauthorized Villa on Ubud Farmland.
Illegal Land Conversion in Bali: Expert Insights on the Ubud Villa Case
Table of Contents
In a recent advancement, Bali Police have charged AF, a 53-year-old German national, with illegally converting agricultural land for the construction of a villa in Ubud, Gianyar. This case has sparked widespread debate about the balance between development and environmental preservation in Bali. To delve deeper into this issue, Senior Editor of world-today-news.com sat down with Dr. Agus Putra, a specialist in environmental law and land use policy in Indonesia.
The Case Overview
Editor: dr. putra, thank you for joining us. Could you provide a brief overview of the case and why it has garnered so much attention?
Dr. Putra: Certainly. This case involves the illegal construction of a villa, spa center, and livestock farm on protected agricultural land in Ubud, Bali. The suspect, AF, allegedly bypassed necessary permits and encroached into designated zones, including the food crop zone (P1), plantation zone (P3), and tourism zone. What makes this case especially meaningful is the scale of the land involved—1.8 hectares—and its impact on Bali’s agricultural sustainability.
Legal Implications
Editor: AF is facing charges under multiple laws. Can you explain the legal framework governing such cases in Indonesia?
Dr. Putra: Absolutely. The primary laws in question are Law Number 22 of 2019 concerning the Lasting Agricultural Cultivation System and law Number 41 of 2009 concerning the Protection of Sustainable Food Agricultural Land. These laws emphasize the importance of preserving agricultural land for food security. AF is charged under Article 109 in conjunction with Article 19 Paragraph (1) of the 2019 law and Article 72 in conjunction with Article 44 Paragraph (1) of the 2009 law. These charges highlight the severity of illegal land conversion in Indonesia.
Environmental Impact
Editor: How does this case reflect the broader environmental challenges facing Bali?
Dr. Putra: Bali is a unique case as of its heavy reliance on tourism and agriculture. The illegal conversion of agricultural land not only threatens food security but also disrupts the island’s ecological balance. The construction on protected rice fields and other agricultural zones reduces the availability of arable land, which is already limited.This case underscores the urgent need for stricter enforcement of land use regulations to ensure sustainable development in Bali.
Examination and Evidence
Editor: The police have reportedly examined 34 land ownership certificates and interviewed 28 witnesses. What role does such evidence play in cases like this?
Dr. Putra: The evidence is critical. Land ownership certificates (SHM) provide a legal basis for determining whether the land was acquired and used lawfully. Witness testimonies help establish the timeline of events and the suspect’s intent. In this case, the evidence suggests that AF knowingly violated land use regulations by extending construction into unauthorized zones. This strengthens the prosecution’s case and highlights the importance of thorough investigations in environmental violations.
The Broader implications
Editor: What broader implications does this case have for Bali and other regions facing similar issues?
Dr. Putra: This case serves as a stark reminder of the challenges many regions face in balancing development with environmental conservation. For Bali, it’s a call to action to strengthen land use policies and ensure that development projects align with sustainability goals. It also highlights the need for public awareness and community involvement in monitoring land use activities. similar cases in other regions can learn from Bali’s experience to prevent further degradation of agricultural land.
conclusion
Editor: Dr. Putra, thank you for sharing your expertise.This case clearly highlights the complexities of land use regulation and the importance of sustainable development in Bali. For our readers, it’s a reminder of the delicate balance between progress and preservation. Stay tuned for more updates on this evolving story.
