Indonesia: The entire Indonesian archipelago, which has more than 100 tropical islands, is scheduled to be put up for auction, sparking worries about the potential environmental effects on one of the most intact coral atoll ecosystems left on Earth.

The desolate Widi Reserve, located in a marine protected region in Eastern Indonesia’s “Coral Triangle,” will be offered for sale through Sotheby’s Concierge Auctions in New York from 8th to 14th December 2022. Investors will bid on shares of PT Leadership Islands Indonesia (LII), an Indonesian development company that has been granted a licence to create eco-resort and upscale residential units on the reserve.

The development might cut off local populations and harm its habitats, which include rainforests, mangroves, lagoons, lakes, and coral reefs that are home to a variety of marine life, warn some conservationists who are alarmed by the sale.

According to Mr. Mohamad Abdi Suhufan, National Coordinator for Destructive Fishing Watch Indonesia the sale has allegedly sparked “controversy and has captured the attention of the Indonesian public.” Mr. Suhufan has requested that Indonesia’s government look into the matter.

The National Coordinator also remarked that although the development has planned for environmental protection, private ownership of the islands would “impact the local community socially and economically”.

“The listing does not specify the anticipated starting price of the bid, but it does need a deposit of $100,000 from interested parties. The highest bid must provide a substantial amount of investment into the development,” as per the reports.

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