Auction of rights to 100 islands in Indonesia’s Widi Reserve delayed

admin 0 Comments December 11, 2022

, 2022-12-11 10:22:27

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Sotheby’s auction of the exclusive licensed rights to the Widi Reserve, more than 100 environmentally protected islands that cover 25,000 acres in Indonesia, has been delayed from its scheduled date last week. The holdup follows backlash from environmental groups, who say the privatization and development of the islands could cause ecological damage and interfere with life in coastal communities.

The Widi Reserve, an archipelago in North Maluku province, is located in a biodiverse area known as the “Coral Triangle,” which is home to endangered animals such as sea turtles, humphead wrasse and whale sharks.

In the listing for the sale, Sotheby’s describes the archipelago as “one of the most breathtaking properties anywhere on Earth” and a “secluded, otherworldly paradise,” with coral reefs and 150 kilometers (93 miles) of beaches. The auction house also outlines possible amenities to come: an airstrip for private jets, luxury “eco resorts” and an international airport.

But jet-setters might not be visiting the paradise so soon. Amid public outcry, the sale, which was originally scheduled to begin Dec. 8, has been moved to late January.

The Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries said in a statement released on Dec. 5 that PT Leadership Islands Indonesia (LII), the company managing the islands, had not obtained the proper licenses to proceed with the auction, including a utilization permit that would address environmental…

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