Leaders in Bali are looking to develop a Floating Storage Re-gasification Unit (FSRU) Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) Terminal off the coast of Sanur and Serangan in Bali.
Both of these traditional fishing villages are hugely popular with tourists, and communities are sharing a mixed response to the proposed project.
Communities in Sanur have been vocal in their concerns about the prospective development of a Floating Storage Regasification Unit (FSRU) Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) Terminal in the waters around Sidakarya in South Denpasar.
The massive gas terminal is currently planned to be built just 3.5km from Sidakarya Beach. In no uncertain terms, this will make the terminal visible from beaches in both Sanur and Serangan, as well as those travelling from Sanur to the Nusa Islands and Gili Islands.
There is significant backlash against the project from communities in Sanur, who are fearful of both the environmental impact of the FSRU and its impact on tourism. On a more personal level, they are concerned about the impact the megastructure will have on the landscape, which has been cherished by families for centuries.
There are already several FSRU structures established around the waters of Indonesia, but none have been built so close to the shore. The Jakarta Bay FSRU, for example, is located 15 km from the coast, the Lampung FSRU, built in 2014, was developed 22 km from shore, and the Cilamaya FSRU in Karawang, West Java, constructed in 2021, was built approximately 21 km from the coast.
For context, when standing on the shoreline on a clear day, the horizon line on the ocean is around 4.7km.
Speaking to reporters last week, the Chairman of the Indonesian Hotel and Restaurant Association (PHRI), Denpasar, and Chairman of the Sanur Development Foundation, Ida Bagus Sidharta Putra, were clear that they and their community oppose the development.
He explained to reporters, “As a Sanur resident and tourism professional, I oppose the LNG terminal plan. There will definitely be social, cultural, environmental, and tourism impacts. Tourists come to Sanur for its natural beauty, beaches, and friendly locals. A refinery would be a thing of the past. What about marine pollution?”
However, representatives of Sanur’s neighbouring community have also spoken to the media and have confirmed that they are willing to support the project, but only if certain terms are agreed upon and honoured. The Head of Serangan Village, Wayan Patut, supports the development of the floating gas terminal since it aligns with the government’s mission to bring cleaner energy to Bali.
Patut and the community of Seranagn have drawn up their feedback on the project proposal. They have stated that they will give their blessing to the project if the location of the terminal is shifted away from sacred marine protected areas and local fishermen’s transit routes.
Patut explained, “We sanctify, protect, and preserve the sea around Serangan. Therefore, we request that the LNG terminal be moved northeast, approximately 1.3 to 1.5 kilometers from the original plan.”
He added, “We’re not anti-investment, nor anti-clean energy. But development must still respect traditional, social, and environmental values.”
The proposed location of 3.5km from the shore was recommended by many who have given their public backing to the project, including Coordinating Minister for Maritime Affairs and Investment Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan, who stated that a safe distance should be 3.5 kilometers from Serangan Beach, not from other beaches.
Patut continued, “Official state documents clearly state the distance is calculated from Serangan Beach. We want all parties to return to those regulations and recommendations.”
Adding “If the goal is truly for the benefit of Bali and clean energy, why not shift the location slightly to avoid conflict with local customs and nature?”
He reiterated that the community of Serangan wants to be actively involved in the consultation process, noting, “In fact, we want to help ensure that the investment runs safely, doesn’t cause conflict, and brings real benefits to the community.”
He concluded, “We are ready to support it if our aspirations are heard and respected. The principle is simple: development can progress, but don’t sacrifice the sacred sea and the lives of coastal communities.”
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