A luxury hotel development in Jimbaran is threatened with forced closure after local senators and community members raised concerns that the construction is violating Bali’s building regulations. PT Step Up Solusi Indonesia is developing the hotel.
The potential construction violations were brought to the public’s attention by Bali Senator Ni Luh Djelantik, who shared a video of the development on her social media accounts.
The video sparked outrage and concern from many Balinese community members across the island, in light of which Djelantik demanded clarification and answers from the Badung Regency Government.
Senator Djelantik wrote “Bali is destroyed not only in the hands of foreigners, but also in the hands of those who grant permits. Is this using OSS or local government permits? The people have the right to know because Bali’s nature is being torn apart!”
The OSS is the Online Single Submission platform where developers anywhere in Indonesia must submit their building applications. It is this system that many leaders in Bali take umbrage with since the OSS is a central government agency that issues licensing permits for massive developments and does not necessarily consult regional governing bodies in the process. Development for smaller projects is granted permission through provincial agencies.
One of the biggest issues Senator Djelantik and fellow concerned residents have over the project is not only is it being developed on a piece of land within the green cliffs of Jimbaran, but also the height of the main hotel building is clearly more than seven stories. In Bali, no building is permitted to be over seven stories high, or in colloquial terms, no taller than a palm tree.
Senator Djelantik continued, “The public has the right to know. Is this project in accordance with applicable regulations? If not, the government must act firmly.” She added,d “There must be no loopholes for unscrupulous investors who damage the environment for personal gain. The government must be present and ensure that the rules are enforced.”
This is not the first time that the hotel development in Jimbaran by PT Step Up Solusi Indonesia has been a cause for concern for local residents and Bali lovers. Three years ago when permits were first granted citizens were concerned that illegal cliff cutting was taking place before the foundations of the hotel building could be laid.
An investigation was launched by Bali Police’s Special Criminal Investigation Directorate. However, a number of permits were reported to have been obtained, including the Building Construction Approval (PBG), and a breakwater construction permit from the Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries.
On Friday 28th March the site was given a surprise spot check by officers from the Satpol PP, which is Bali’s civil police force. The Head of Satpol PP of Bali Province, Dewa Nyoman Rai Dharmadi, spoke to reporters after the site visit was complete.
He shared “We and the integrated team ensure the construction of this hotel in accordance with the applicable provisions. Currently, initial findings show that the height of the building has not exceeded the specified limit. However, we will continue to monitor because the construction is still ongoing.”
Dharmadi was accompanied by officers from the Bali Provincial Public Housing and Public Works Service personnel and from the Bali Provincial Environment and Forestry Service. He confirmed that the hotel project is being developed by contractor Wijaya Kusuma and has a terraced design with 25 villa units, each equipped with a private swimming pool.
He confirmed that a coastal revetment is 30 meters away from the building with a depth of 5 meters. Dharmadi emphasized that the revetment has a recommendation permit from the Bali Provincial LHK Office and the central government. He concluded, “Environmental documents such as AMDAL and environmental recommendations have also been issued by the Badung Regency DLH.”
However, on Monday 3rd March the Head of Bali Provincial Public Housing and Public Works Badung Office, I Nyoman R. Karyasa, suggested that on closure inspection, the height of the hotel construction so far, could in fact be in violation of building regulations. He told reporters “The measurement results show that some exceed 15 meters, even reach 26 meters,”
Karyasa added “We will convey the study to Satpol PP as the authorized agency in enforcing the Regional Regulation. Whether there will be sanctions such as building trimming or demolition, that is their authority.”
Responding to these comments the political leader Wayan Puspa Negara, told reporters that if this is the case, firm action would be issued.
He shared “If it is true that this building exceeds the height limit of 15 meters as stipulated in Article 100 of the Bali Province RTRWP Number 2 of 2023, then this building must be trimmed or dismantled. This is not the first case. In 2005, there was a hotel in Seminyak that was also cut off for violating the altitude rules.”
Negara added “We must not be weak in supervision. Do not have the impression that the rules can be violated without consequences.”
“If this violation is left unattended, it will be a bad precedent for others. Therefore, law enforcement must be enforced, and Sumonev (supervision, monitoring, and evaluation) strengthened so that similar incidents do not happen again.”
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