Controversy Sparked In Bali After Famous Tourist Beach Renamed On Google Maps

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Leaders in Bali have been forced to issue media statements after it appeared that Serangan Beach had been renamed.

The controversy was sparked after an image circulated online appeared to show Serangan Beach, now named Surf Surf by The Waves. The issue is a particularly sensitive topic after Canggu was renamed ‘New Moscow’ on Google Maps in May 2024.

Serangan Beach, as part of Serangan Island, is now incorporated into the new Kura Kura Special Economic Zone.

Much like the Sanur Special Economic Zone, which now specializes in medical tourism, the Kura Kura Special Economic Zone is receiving trillions of rupiah of investment in tourism and creative enterprises. 

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The Kura Kura Special Economic Zone project was initiated on 5th April 2023 by then-President Joko Widodo. The area expands over 498 hectares on Seranagn Island, and development plans as stipulated by the central government state that the site will eventually feature “a marina with an integrated resort, hotels and resorts, commercial and mixed-use, a wellness center, and an educational and technological park.”

To attract more investment into the area, a series of exclusive policies were introduced, including tax breaks. The President Director of Kura Kura Bali, Tuti Hadiputranto, explained to reporters that the tax breaks are intended to stimulate investment and economic development at the project.

He noted “We thank the Government for granting a Special Economic Zone status to Kura Kura Bali that will provide many special facilities to investors. These facilities include a 10-year income tax holiday (PPH) for projects valued between Rp. 100 billion and Rp 500 billion.”

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With all this in mind, there are big changes happening on Seranagn Island, changes that are startling some residents. The GoogleMaps listing clearly shows two neighboring place markers.

One is set for Pantai Serangan, and the other, just a few feet away, is named “Pantai Kura Kura Bali ‘Surf Surf by The Waves’ – this new, additional listing caught local communities and Bali lovers by surprise and sparked concerns that a private business had gone ahead and renamed a local beach. 

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Speaking to reporters, Zakki Hakim, Head of Communications and Community Relations of PT BTID, which is the development company behind the Kura Kura Special Economic Zone, shared his insights on the saga.

He revealed, “The name appeared when the national and even international committees held the World Water Forum event, which brought around 3,000 guests for the opening of the forum.”

He confirmed that no one from the Kura Kura Special Economic Zone Development Team had tampered with the name and GoogleMaps listing. Hakim noted, “Google is a public domain, so anyone can write anything there. We don’t know about that name.”

Hakim wants to see a constructive dialogue developed over the matter and other developments in the area. He told reporters, “As the manager of the Bali Kura Kura Special Economic Zone, we respect, appreciate, and uphold Balinese culture. If it really needs to be changed again, we are open to receiving input from anyone.”

He added, “Every event that we hold, we try to involve the residents of Serangan Village as part of the activity.”

The backlash about the listing is believed to be heightened after the booming resort area of Canggu was relisted on Google Maps as ‘New Moscow’ back in May 2024. The listing sparked outrage from local communities and long-term international residents and triggered a wider conversation about neo-colonialism and the assimilation of foreigners in the province. 

In May 2024 the Head of Public Relations of the Bali Police, Commissioner Pol Jansen Avitus Panjaitan, had to come out to say that the police were to investigate whether there are any legal ramifications for the change of name on GoogleMaps. 

This week, tensions rose once again in Bali after the foreign-owned residential and lifestyle complex PARQ Ubud was formally closed down and the founder of the company, Andre Frey, was arrested in connection with the ‘illegal transfer of land functions.’

As rapid tourism, residential, and commercial development continue across Bali, there are rising concerns that the influence of international and even national business interests is irreversibly changing Bali.