Nusa Penida Demands Answers After Governor Axes Life-Changing Tourism Development Project

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Bali has officially just axed a highly controversial tourism development project. The Kelingking Glass Elevator Project was set to change the face of tourism in Nusa Penida forever, bringing more economic prosperity to the island.

Now that the project has been axed following major building violations, the local community has questions that need answers. 

On the 23rd of November, the Governor of Bali, Wayan Koster, announced that he was officially halting the Nusa Penida Glass Elevator Project.

The 182m glass elevator was one of the most contentious development projects Bali had seen for decades.

Following the discovery of five major building violations, the project was not only paused but completely axed, and developers PT Indonesia Kaishi Tourism Property Investment Development Group were ordered to demolish all that had been constructed so far. 

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With the project already being constructed for over a year, the foundations of the elevator and much of the elevator shaft skeleton had been built.

During the announcement, Governor Koster explained, “[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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While many praised Governor Koster for taking decisive action following the discovery of major violations, many community members in Nusa Penida who saw hopes for the project have been left frustrated that the promises of economic prosperity envisioned by project leaders will not come to fruition. 

Wayan Adi, a local resident, spoke to reporters about his take on the project’s cancellation. Adi told reporters, “The question is, why is it only now being questioned and stopped, after the project is almost complete? Why wasn’t it banned from the start?”

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He added, “There may be negative impacts, such as changes to the natural beauty. But the positive impacts are greater. Tourists will certainly increase, the economy will improve, and local communities will become more prosperous.”

Adi notes that infrastructural improvements are necessary in Nusa Penida to help strengthen the tourism sector on the island, which is now a vital contributor to residents’ livelihoods.

He shared, “Damaged and narrow roads can be repaired, and the coastal area can be made more comfortable and safe. With such a large investment, it’s certain to be well-built and high-quality.”

Adi is not the only one who is concerned that the project being axed partway through, followed by demolition orders, could cause negative outcomes in the longer term.

Questions are now being raised as to how the project was allowed to progress so far despite such serious violations taking place, as well as calls for a sustainable solution to be found to help tourists access the world-famous Kelingking Beach. 

The Chairman of the Indonesian Hotel and Restaurant Association (PHRI) Klungkung, Putu Darmaya, also wants to explore whether sustainable solutions can be found for the project before demolition work gets underway. He is seriously concerned that the cancellation of the project will scare away future investors, especially since IDR 200 billion had already been sunk into the Glass Elevator Project. 

Darmaya told reporters, “If the height of the elevator is deemed to be obstructing the view, then just cut it down and build a path down. Nusa Penida needs investors and revenue for Klungkung to develop.”

He feels that a public stakeholder meeting must be held to hear all opinions on the situation before solutions are implemented. Darmaya shared. “This is a shared mistake. Why weren’t controls in place during the foundation laying? Why did the commotion only arise after it was finished?”

However, the Klungkung Regent I Made Satria has been clear that the situation is not up for discussion. The elevator will be demolished, but a wooden stairway could be constructed in the longer term. Regent Satria told reporters firmly, “I’ve closed the discussion regarding Kelingking. I’ll hand it over to the Governor.”

He clarified, “From the Kelingking entrance to the beach, it’s the district’s responsibility. However, the coastline and beaches are under the jurisdiction of the province and the central government.” While concluding, “I have a concept for an eco-friendly ironwood staircase. This would shorten the travel time. What’s currently 1.5 hours could now be just 30 minutes.”

Here at The Bali Sun, we are following every development over on Nusa Penida and will be the first to report back to you the latest news about the Glass Elevator…watch this space! For now, Kelingking Beach and the clifftop viewpoint remain open to the public, but remember, the walk down to the beach is entirely at your own risk, and Kelingking Beach is a no-swim zone.