Controversial Bali Glass Elevator Project Officially Halted In Tourist Hotspot Nusa Penida

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Leaders in Bali have officially halted the controversial Glass Elevator Project in Nusa Penida.

The 182m Glass Elevator is being constructed at the world-famous Kelingking Beach, but leaders are concerned that there could be building violations taking place. 

Authorities in Bali have formally suspended the construction of the 182m Glass Elevator Project at Kelingking Beach in Nusa Penida. Construction on the project has been taking place for over a year, but a fresh round of concerns has been raised over the highly contentious project, leading to provincial government officials calling for an investigation. 

Concerns have been raised over permits and licenses for the project, as well as environmental impact concerns. In no uncertain terms, the development has already irreversibly changed the cliff face at Kelingking Beach, as well as the world-famous panoramic view from the clifftop. 

The suspicion orders were confirmed by the Head of the Special Committee on Spatial Affairs, Assess, and Permits, Made Supartha. He confirmed that the project has indeed violated Law No.26 of 2007 on Spatial Planning. Supartha explained, “The Bali Municipal police will ensure that no construction activities continue here.”

Only days ago, the Head of the Klungkung Investment and One-Stop Integrated Licensing Service (DPMPTSP), Made Sudiarka Jaya, insisted that the project has an NIB (business identification number) and a Building Permit (PBG) with a levy value of IDR 1.05 billion, which means that it is being developed in accordance with the law. 

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However, Supartha has told the press that the project does not have all of its paperwork and permits in order.

Missing permits include those for disaster mitigation and work safety permits. Supartha has also revealed that the project has fallen short on its commitment to ensure that the Glass Elevator and supporting structures are in keeping with Balinese traditional architecture and design.

Plans show that Glass Elevator will operate along the full 182m of the cliffside, with a viewing platform at the 64m point, and later photo stops will be every 20m.

Speaking separately, Bali Province Police Officer, Dewa Nyoman Rai Dharmadi, also confirmed that the site will remain closed for the foreseeable future and that multiple agencies will be involved in the investigation moving forward.

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Dharmadi explained, “The police line must remain closed. Removing it without authorization is a criminal offense. We will report any continued construction or tampering.”

Questions will now be raised as to how the project could have been left to operate without sufficient permits despite supervision from the authorities since building work began.

Speaking last week, the Tourism Ministry Deputy for Destination and Infrastructure Development, Hariyanto, said, “Supervision has been in place since the project’s planning phase in 2023, reflecting our commitment to sustainability, safety, and cleanliness.”

He added, “The Tourism Ministry has urged the elevator developer to adopt green construction methods and renewable energy technologies to reduce its environmental footprint.”

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There are also concerns about what will happen to the structure that is already in place if the project is formally stopped.

It is unclear whether the project will be given the go-ahead again if developers and investors can get all of the permits and paperwork in order. The project has already received IDR 200 billion from international investors, with IDR 60 billion assigned for the construction of the elevator alone.

At present, Kelingking Beach remains open to the public, and the clifftop viewpoints too. As ever, it remains the case that tourists can take the hike down to Kelingking Beach at their own risk, and should never enter the water as both Kelingking Beach and Diamond Beach are now swim zones. 

Nusa Penida is quickly becoming one of Bali’s busiest tourism destinations and leaders are on a mission to attract more visitors to the area as well as improve infrastructure to support the increased volume of tourists.