Bali Residents Seek Calm Amidst Growing Tourism Pressures

A Quest for Serenity in Canggu

Residents of the Indonesian island of Bali, long dependent on its booming tourism industry, are expressing a growing desire for tranquility and restoration of the serene environment that characterized their communities. The vibrant coastal village of Canggu, once known for its lush greenery and rice fields, has transformed dramatically since its discovery by international surfers. Today, it is filled with hotels and bustling streets overrun with cars, scooters, and trucks.

In response to escalating concerns over the impacts of mass tourism, local authorities have announced a two-year moratorium on new hotel, villa, and nightclub constructions aimed at restoring a sense of calm to the region. However, the implementation of this plan remains uncertain. Kadek Candrawati, a 23-year-old local shop owner, lamented, ‘Canggu is more animated now… its tranquility and greenery are gradually disappearing.’ She, along with many others, believes that decisive measures are essential to address the drastic changes affecting their community.

Statistics and Tourist Influx

Bali’s lush landscapes, famous beaches, and thriving surf culture continue to attract tourists from around the world. Official statistics reveal that nearly three million foreign visitors traveled to Bali in the first half of the year, primarily from Australia, China, and India. On average, these tourists spent approximately €1,516 each during their visits last year, a significant increase from the €1,068 spent in 2019 prior to the pandemic.

In a bid to rejuvenate the tourism sector following the downturn triggered by the COVID-19 pandemic, the Indonesian government previously rolled out measures to attract foreign travelers, including specialized visas for digital nomads and wealthy investors. However, the latest initiatives indicate a shift in priorities, as local leaders and community members call for sustainability.

Government’s Balancing Act

Sandiaga Uno, the former Minister of Tourism, had announced plans for the moratorium to prevent further indiscriminate development in tourist hotspots. This plan is set to be implemented during the presidency of Prabowo Subianto; however, specifics on its start date have yet to be revealed. Furthermore, infrastructure improvements, including a proposed light rail system, aim to alleviate traffic congestion on the island.

Nonetheless, comments made by President Prabowo have raised questions about the government’s commitment to curbing rapid development. During a meeting with local leaders, he expressed ambitions for Bali to become ‘the future Singapore, the future Hong Kong… a center for economic activity,’ potentially conflicting with the community’s desire for sustainable growth.

Environmental Concerns Mount

Environmental advocacy group Walhi warns that time may have run out for Bali’s natural landscapes. Executive Director Made Krisna Dinata stated, ‘Bali is now far too developed, and green spaces are being urbanized.’ He emphasized that the proposed moratorium should be part of a comprehensive legislative effort not only to halt further construction but also to protect existing land.

Recent incidents, including viral videos of limestone blocks falling into the ocean due to cliff excavations for villas, have heightened public concern. The deterioration in water quality has led to declines in surf tourism, with local surfer Piter Panjaitan noting, ‘Many surf instructors have lost their income; customers no longer want to surf due to the dirty water.’ Additionally, some tourists have come under scrutiny for disrespecting local culture and traditions, aggravating tensions between visitors and residents.

Finding Balance

Balinese authorities assert that the construction freeze is an effort to strike a balance between the economic benefits of tourism and the preservation of the island’s cultural and natural heritage. Tjok Bagus Pemayun, head of Bali’s tourism office, contended that the moratorium seeks to encourage development in areas beyond southern Bali, where the tourist crowds are most concentrated.

However, not all stakeholders support the pause in development. I Gusti Ngurah Rai Suryawijaya, vice-president of Bali’s hotel and restaurant association, called for a deeper investigation into the potential impact on Balinese livelihoods, as many depend on the tourism industry for their income. He noted, ‘When demand exceeds supply, a moratorium may be necessary to reduce competition, but right now, occupancy rates are reaching 80 to 90%.’

As the island grapples with the complex interplay of tourism, development, and environmental conservation, the voices of local residents like Candrawati will continue to resonate, advocating for a sustainable and respectful future for one of the world’s most beloved travel destinations.