Tourists Concerned Demolition Debris Is Ruining Bali’s Bingin Beach

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Demolition work at Uluwatu’s Bingin Beach has been one of the biggest news stories to come out of Bali this year.

Although demolition work began in July, the project is still ongoing, and concerns have arisen that debris is being spilled onto the iconic beachfront. 

Both residents of Bingin Beach, the surrounding community, and tourists are raising concerns that the debris from the demolition work is scattered on the beachfront, not only creating an unsightly mess but also a public safety issue. 

The masses of debris from the demolition of more than 40 buildings on the Bingin Beach cliffside have yet to be removed from the area.

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On the 21st July 2025, more than 500 officers and agency staff were deployed by the Bali Provincial Government to demolish a series of buildings deemed to be breaking spatial planning laws, encroaching on state-owned land, or operating without the correct permits and licences. 

The demolition orders hit international headlines, along with widespread criticism of how the situation was handled.

Many of the business premises had been open and operational for over 20 years, and many felt that businesses were given insufficient time, and in some cases, reportedly not even given a chance, to get paperwork in order before demolition work was given the go-ahead. 

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Many Bingin Beach lovers were concerned for the future of many daily wage workers who operate in the area, as well as the small business owners whose properties were demolished.

The Bali Provincial Government was clear that swift and firm action had to be taken against the offending buildings.

Many in the community raised concerns that while demolition orders were issued and work started, there was no public consultation or vision shared for Bingin Beach post-demolition, nor was a plan clearly articulated to the community to ensure that demolition debris would be moved and the land cleared in an environmentally sustainable way.

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Speaking to reporters on 2nd November, the Head of Pecatu Village, Made Sumerta, expressed his regret over the situation.

He told reporters that the current situation has created new problems for the community, fishermen, and tourists.

He shared, “Bingin Beach is famous for its surfing spots, but now it’s attracting complaints from both locals and foreign tourists. Some debris on the beach has been carried to the sand and buried, making it look dirty and unsightly.”

Sumerta is also a member of the Badung Regency Government and noted,  “When the tide comes in, the debris will appear. Now, it’s okay to pile it up; it’s not visible because it’s receding. When the tide comes in, it’s pulled out, making the debris visible, which isn’t good.”

He was clear that the debris is spoiling the experience of Bingin Beach for tourists and that local residents are sharing formal compilations.

Sumerta shared, “I’ve received many complaints from local residents and tourists who feel uncomfortable. After receiving complaints, the debris is buried. This could be eroded by waves during high tides or tidal floods, making the beach look dirty again.”

It is clear that burying the debris is not a viable option, at least not since it has a devastating impact on the ecology of Bingin Beach. Sumerta confirmed that the Pecatu Traditional Village has communicated with the Badung Regency Public Order Agency (Satpol PP), which is ultimately responsible for the demolition work and the complete clean-up. 

Sumerta confirmed that he has requested that the cleanup work be carried out in alignment with the initial commitment from the authorities, namely, to completely remove any remaining construction material from the coastal area, not simply cover it with sand.

He noted, “We ask the Public Order Agency (Satpol PP) and the Public Works and Housing Agency to immediately complete the cleanup as originally promised. Don’t just fill it in, because if the sand erodes, the debris will reappear.”

When contacted for comment, the Badung Public Order Agency (Satpol PP) Chief I Gusti Agung Ketut Suryanegara stated that the demolition and regulation of illegal structures on Bingin Beach had been completed. “It’s finished. Further arrangements will be handled by other agencies.”

He concluded, “We’ve actually pulled the debris up several times, but with rising sea levels and waves, it’s been pulled back up again.”

And confirmed that he is currently awaiting approval for a shift in funds for heavy equipment rental, since the initial budget for the demolition work has been used up. “So, if we want to continue the cleanup, we’re waiting for approval for the budget shift. After that, we can resume the cleanup.”