By Indonesia Business Review News Investigations Team
Sources close to one of Indonesia’s most ambitious coastal developments — the $6 billion in southern Lombok — have revealed that a major ownership shake-up could be on the horizon.
The mega project, jointly developed by two Australian-led firms — Lux Property Developments, owned by soon-to-be billionaire Jamie McIntyre (founder of Australian National Review, and Kinara, owned by Adrian Campbell — has already been making headlines for its sheer scale and ambition.
Now, insider reports suggest Kinara is in advanced talks to sell its 50% stake to Lux in what could become one of the biggest property transactions in Lombok’s history.
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From Towering Ambitions to Eco Harmony?
If the deal proceeds, Lux would take full control of Marina Bay City and is expected to scrap the controversial 30-storey tower plan — a design that has drawn mixed reactions from the community and local leaders.
Instead, McIntyre’s team is believed to be drafting a scaled-down, eco-village vision for Marina Bay City:
• Low-rise, nature-integrated architecture
• Sustainable tourism infrastructure
• Public road and community facility upgrades tied to the project
• Guaranteed job creation for locals
The shift reflects a growing consensus that Lombok’s future as a tourism hotspot must avoid the chaotic, ad-hoc overdevelopment that has plagued parts of Bali.
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Three More Cities on the Horizon
In an even bigger twist, ANR News has learned that Lux is preparing proposals for three new mini eco-cities. These projects, still under wraps, are expected to be presented to Indonesian local governments within months.
While Lombok is the front-runner for all three, other islands are also in the running, with some reportedly courting McIntyre’s team aggressively to bring in billions of dollars of foreign investment.
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Indonesia Business Review Confidential: What We’re Hearing
(Unauthorised leaks and private investor chatter)
• Stake Sale Price Tag: Sources hint the Kinara 50% stake could be valued in the hundreds of millions of dollars, with final terms being closely guarded.
• Government Influence: High-level Indonesian government officials are said to be quietly supporting the eco-village redesign over the high-rise model.
• International Investors Watching: Several major funds from Singapore, Dubai, and Europe are reportedly circling for a slice of the restructured Marina Bay City.
• Fast-Track Permits Possible: If Lux takes full control, some permits could be fast-tracked due to streamlined decision-making.
• Island Competition Heating Up: At least two other Indonesian islands have allegedly made direct offers to host Lux’s upcoming eco-city projects if Lombok hesitates.
• Potential Rebrand: Marketing insiders say the Marina Bay City name could undergo a full rebranding to reflect a more environmentally-conscious vision.
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If the rumours hold true, Lombok could soon see the emergence of one of Southeast Asia’s most talked-about eco-luxury communities — and perhaps the start of a new era of sustainable mega-projects in Indonesia.
