Bali Locals Concerned That Demolishing Illegal Beachfront Buildings Will Impact Tourism

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Following the news that Bali Senators are proceeding with legal action against 45 building owners who have been found to have developed properties in violation of a range of spatial planning laws in Uluwatu’s Binign Beach, local community members are speaking up about their concerns the demolition orders will have on their business and livelihoods, as well as tourism in the area. 

Bali’s Bingin Beach on the coast of Uluwatu on the Bukit Peninsula is one of the most popular vacation destinations on the island right now.

Over the last ten years, Uluwatu has undergone rapid transformation and has become a fully fledged international tourism resort.

Bingin Beach is a popular spot for surfing, and dozens of buildings are built into the rocky cliffside.

From private villas to guesthouses and homestays, large hotels, restaurants, cafes, and traditional warungs, Bingin Beach has a lot going on. 

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This week, Bali Senators formally called for 45 buildings constructed on or above Bingin Beach to be completely demolished after an investigation found that each property violates a series of spatial planning laws.

Chairman of the Commission I DPRD Bali, Nyoman Budiutama, told reporters after the hearing “Buildings that are not in accordance with the purpose not only violate the law, but also hurt the Balinese architectural philosophy that prioritizes harmony with nature, culture, and spirituality.”

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He revealed that each of the 45 properties had violated a series of Indonesian building regulations and spatial planning laws.

Budiutama explained, “Starting from the aspects of spatial planning, land, living environment, to the alleged criminal offense of land grabbing. It can even touch on criminal offenses if an element of intent is found by the relevant officials.”

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As news of significant demolition orders spread through the Binging Beach community and across the Bukit Peninsula, local community members have raised concerns that the orders could do more harm than good.

While Bingin Beach remained busy with tourists on Thursday 12th and Friday 13th of June, local business owners are fearful that demolishing the illegally developed buildings, which are all currently operating popular tourist businesses, could also impact other business owners and informal traders in the area. 

Nyoman Musadi, who represents 34 of the traditional warung owners and stallholders on Bingin Beach told reporters that many local traders are experiencing deep anxiety about the future of their businesses if the demolition work goes ahead.

He explained “As a local community who have been descended from [this area] and elderly still earn a living or livelihood in the Bingin Beach area. If these businesses are closed or dismantled, what about our fate? There are 34 people who are local residents who make a living to survive and they have children, grandchildren, and also need to eat.”

Musadi is calling on the Badung Regency Government to act with consideration for all those affected by both the illegal construction of the buildings and the impact of the impending demolition.

He shared “The point is that we all hope that the provincial government, Badung Regency will provide the best solution for the local community who are looking for a livelihood at Bingin Beach, our hope is that our screams can be considered later.”

The Head of Satpol PP, Dewa Nyoman Rai Dharmadi, who is the civil police in Indonesia, told reporters that officers are awaiting final orders from the Bali Provincial Government regarding the demolition.

Dharmadi explained “We are waiting for the recommendation from the DPRD (Bali) institutionally to the executive addressed to the Governor of Bali. Next, the Governor will give us a unified team later. So still waiting. If we are ready at any time because it is in accordance with the data and later the next effort is the dismantling to be carried out by the Badung Regency with us supervising later.”