Bali Investors Push Controversial Glass Elevator Project To Restart At Top Tourism Destination 

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The Glass Elevator Project on Nusa Penida was one of the most highly controversial projects the province has seen in recent years…. In fact, it still is.

The 182m Glass Elevator Project was axed by Bali Governor Wayan Koster in late 2025 after a series of building violations were discovered. As construction work is now being dismantled and demolished, the lawyers representing the investment company are calling for the decision to be reversed. 

In November 2025, the Nusa Penida Glass Elevator Project at the world-famous Kelingking Beach was officially axed by Bali Governor Wayan Koster.

Despite receiving backing from the Klungkung Regency Government and many in the community, an investigation into the construction of the mega-project found a series of spatial planning and building permit violations. 

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Governor Koster was clear that the axing of the project was final. He told reporters during his announcement, “[I am] ordering PT Indonesia Kaishi Tourism Property Investment Development Group to stop all construction activities of the Glass Viewing Platform, carry out the demolition independently within a maximum of six months, and carry out the restoration of the function of the space after the demolition within a maximum of three months.”

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With the three-month mark fast approaching, pressure is now being applied to the investment company and construction teams to keep the demolition work going. However, a legal battle is now underway. Since the multi-million dollar project had been under construction for more than a year, the work was 70% completed.

The attorney for the investors, Gede Adi Putrawan, has revealed new details about his client’s lawsuit for material and immaterial damages as a result of the provincial government’s move to scrap the project. The project is believed to have received IDR 200 billion in investment, approximately USD 15.5 million for the glass elevator and multiple viewing platforms, along with the supporting infrastructure for such a sizeable tourist attraction. 

Putrawan did not hold back and revealed his suspicions that there are larger issues at play impacting the decision to axe the project. He shared, “We feel the treatment of our clients and other properties is very different. We suspect there’s something behind all this. We will reveal everything in due time.”

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He added,  “We have data on many properties, including their settlement steps. From there, it appears there has been odd treatment of our clients.”

Noting “We refuse to suffer any losses due to government mismanagement related to permits. There must be parties held legally responsible, both criminally and civilly. Whatever the reasons put forward for sealing our client’s project, none of the fault lies with our client.”

He continued d. “If we’re considered at fault, then whose responsibility is it for allowing this project to begin and even reach 70 percent completion? Moreover, we’ve fulfilled all the requirements and permits.”

Putrawan concluded,  “If there is no certainty to continue this project, then the individuals involved must consider who will be responsible for our claims for losses, both material and immaterial.”

Governor Koster was clear back in November that the reason for cancelling the project’s building permission was due to serious and irredeemable spatial planning and construction violations, along with a commitment to protect the economic prosperity and potential of Nusa Penida.

He told reporters that he was not anti-investment or tourism development in Nusa Penida, but that the law had to be obeyed.

Concluding “Of course, development in other areas of Nusa Penida is allowed, as long as the spatial planning is correct, environmental impact analysis (EIA), and other requirements for sustainable progress are met. That is what needs to be straightened out so we have a common understanding.”

Tourists traveling to Nusa Penida’s Kelingking Beach can enjoy the world-famous clifftop view and carefully embark on the steep descent to the beach below if they are willing to take on full responsibility for following the deadly pathway.

Tourists who are visiting Kelingking Beach can’t help but notice the construction site and the demolition work underway. Though unsightly, the demolition work does not directly affect tourists’ visits to the world-famous destination.