In a sweeping move to restore order and preserve Bali’s iconic coastline, the Badung Regency Government plans to demolish 45 illegally built villas, bungalows, and restaurants along the cliffs of Bingin Beach, Pecatu. These accommodations—many suspected of being foreign-owned through nominee schemes—have been flagged for violating environmental regulations and land-use laws. Tourists and expats, take note: Bali is getting serious about illegal development.
The spotlight is once again on the south coast of Bali, but not for its surf waves or sunset views. Local authorities are preparing to tear down 45 tourism businesses built without proper permits at Bingin Beach—an area known for its stunning cliffside views and bohemian charm.
According to the Bali DPRD (Regional House of Representatives), these buildings not only lack permits but also sit within disaster-prone zones, breaching cliff-edge boundaries and standing on state-owned land. Two of them are reportedly owned by foreigners using nominee schemes, where Indonesian locals are listed as the owners to bypass property restrictions.
“This is a clear legal violation,” said I Nyoman Budiutama, Chair of Komisi I DPRD Bali, urging that both business owners and officials who allowed these developments face criminal charges. The list of laws allegedly violated includes a string of national and provincial regulations, especially those protecting Bali’s coastal zones and land rights.
Dewa Nyoman Rai Dharmadi, Head of Bali’s Satpol PP, also emphasized that Bingin should be a “no-build zone” due to its topography and ecological sensitivity. “It’s time we restore the integrity of Bingin,” he said, supporting the push for demolition.
While the buildings are yet to be dismantled, a coordination effort is underway between the provincial and regency governments. Authorities may allow time for the property owners to self-demolish before government action is taken.
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