Indonesia Halts Trump-Branded Real Estate Project Due to Environmental Concerns

Indonesia Halts Trump-Branded Real Estate Project Due to Environmental Concerns

The Indonesian government has put a billion-dollar real estate development project on hold, citing environmental damage and concerns over sedimentation in Lake Lido. The ambitious project, signed between MCC and Indonesia's entertainment firm MNC Land in 2018, aimed to create a world-class integrated tourism resort featuring luxury properties under US President Donald Trump's brand.

The development was expected to be backed by up to $500 million in Chinese government loans. However, following a field inspection conducted by the Environment Ministry, Minister Hanif Faisol Nurofiq ordered the halt due to several violations and environmental concerns.

According to Rizal Irawan, a senior official at the ministry, the project's land clearing activities had caused significant sedimentation and shallowing in Lake Lido. Satellite images revealed that the lake had lost more than half of its original size since construction began, shrinking from 24.7 hectares (61 acres) to a much smaller area.

The authorities also found substantial discrepancies between the approved environmental plans and the actual construction. As a result, the government will impose administrative sanctions on the project.

PT MNC Land Lido argued that the sedimentation occurred before they took charge of the project in 2013. Despite this, the company began construction in 2016 with the aim of tackling the sedimentation.

As we look to the future, it is crucial that we prioritize sustainability and responsible development. This incident serves as a reminder of the importance of environmental considerations in large-scale projects.

Edward Lance Arellano Lorilla

CEO / Co-Founder

Enjoy the little things in life. For one day, you may look back and realize they were the big things. Many of life's failures are people who did not realize how close they were to success when they gave up.