12/06/2025
🇷🇺 bye bye
𝐁𝐚𝐥𝐢 𝐌𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐃𝐞𝐦𝐨𝐥𝐢𝐬𝐡 𝐎𝐯𝐞𝐫 𝟒𝟎 𝐈𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐠𝐚𝐥 𝐓𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐢𝐬𝐭 𝐄𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐢𝐬𝐡𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬
In Uluwatu, Bali, local leaders are pushing for the demolition of 45 hotels, private villas, and guesthouses situated in the Bingin Beach resort area due to illegal construction. The Bali Senate has formally requested the provincial government take action against Step Up Hotel and these other establishments.
The implicated buildings range from villas and homestays to restaurants and other tourist facilities, all suspected of breaching various laws, including spatial zoning regulations and encroachments on state land. Bingin Beach has become a popular tourist destination over the past five years, experiencing rapid development and transformation.
Following a recent government meeting attended by representatives from the affected buildings, Nyoman Budiutama, Chairman of the Commission I DPRD Bali, confirmed that all 46 structures had been found in violation of administrative rules and spatial planning agreements. He stated, “The demolition is officially administrative. Because they violated the rules, we recommend it to law enforcement. Our plan is to request their dismantling.”
Budiutama further elaborated that coordination is necessary for the demolitions, as equipment and consideration of the challenging terrain are needed for the dismantling process. Building owners will be given an opportunity to undertake "self-demolition"; however, if they do not comply, the Bali government will intervene and manage the demolitions.
This demolition initiative aims to enhance Bali's tourism appeal and preserve the cultural integrity of the Bingin area. Budiutama emphasized that structures not adhering to legal purposes violate not only the law but also the Balinese architectural philosophy, which emphasizes harmony with nature, culture, and spirituality.
Evidence supporting the demolition comes from investigations by the Bali Provincial Satpol PP, as documented in a letter dated May 10, 2025. This evidence highlights numerous constructions along Bingin Beach’s coastline and clifftops that violate legal standards.
The impacted buildings are managed by both Indonesian citizens and foreigners. Budiutama indicated that each case is complex, with many structures built in violation of multiple laws, including potential land grabbing. He noted that if intent is discovered by the authorities, the situation could escalate into criminal charges.
Affected businesses have received closure notices and are now awaiting further instructions on demolition coordination. While the Bali DPRD views this action as a success, there is no outlined plan for environmental regeneration of the Bingin Beach and clifftop areas after the demolitions or for the disposal or reuse of materials once demolition occurs.
Usiana Dethan, one of the building owners, expressed his willingness to cooperate with the government's final decisions regarding the demolition recommendations. He noted, “We have communicated with the corporation, and we now must wait for the government’s actions. It’s been a long time, not just yesterday.”
Dethan confirmed that most building owners are prepared to cooperate, yet they are seeking clarity on the situation. He added, “We are just waiting to see whether it will be dismantled, closed, or if there will be joint management between the Badung Regency Government and the Bali Provincial Government. That’s what remains unclear.”
Similar investigations, which could lead to further demolition orders, are being conducted in other areas of Badung Regency, including Jimbaran Beach and Balangan Beach.
