Viral Advertisement for the Sale of Katang Island on Social Media, Riau Islands Provincial Government Steps In

Katang Island located in Lingga Regency suddenly became a hot topic of discussion after social media posts appeared offering the island for sale at a staggering price of IDR 65 billion. This issue spread rapidly, especially since Katang Island is known to be part of the Marine Tourism zone in the Riau Islands.

The Riau Islands Provincial Government immediately moved to monitor this news. The regional administration confirmed it will launch a further investigation regarding the viral social media advertisement for the sale of Katang Island.

"It is correct that the Katang Island sale advertisement is circulating on social media. We will continue monitoring this matter and take all necessary actions in accordance with prevailing regulations," stated Hendri Kurniadi, Head of Riau Islands Communications and Informatics Office (Diskominfo) in Tanjungpinang, as quoted by ANTARA.

Amid the widespread public debate, authorities clarified public understanding regarding island ownership laws in Indonesia. Hendri emphasized that legally, no island can be fully owned by a private individual nor traded arbitrarily.

According to him, what is typically offered in such transactions are Building Use Rights (HGB) or Business Use Rights (HGU) over specific land parcels, not ownership of the entire island.

"The government may also revoke HGB/HGU permits if they are misused outside their designated purpose or cause harm to public interests," he added.

The regional government requested the public not to immediately trust claims published only on social media posts.

"Island sale advertisements like this frequently appear on social media. The validity of documents and official permit status must be verified directly with Lingga National Land Agency (BPN) and Riau Islands PMPTSP Service," Hendri advised.

Island sale topics are particularly sensitive in the Riau Islands as this region sits adjacent to international border shipping lanes. For this reason, all information regarding island ownership always receives close scrutiny from both local authorities and the general public.

"In this era of digital disruption, the public must exercise more wisdom when evaluating issues circulating on social media. Always confirm facts first to avoid falling victim to hoaxes," he stated.

The post that triggered this uproar was originally published on Threads. In the upload, the account marketed Katang Island as an ideal location for a Private Island, resort development, or exclusive tourist precinct.

Geographically, Katang Island lies at the entrance gateway to Lingga territory, positioned next to Benan Island which is already established as one of the popular Tourist Destinations for marine Tourism in the Riau Islands.