Indonesia’s Tourism Ministry Monitors Bali’s Glass Elevator Project for Environmental Compliance
Jakarta, October 30, 2025 — The Indonesian government is closely overseeing the construction of a glass elevator on Nusa Penida Island, Bali, to ensure that the development adheres to environmental standards and does not jeopardize the island’s delicate ecosystem.
The project, which involves a 182-meter-high glass elevator connected to the famous Kelingking Beach by a 64-meter bridge, has attracted considerable public attention and debate over its environmental and visual impact on one of Bali’s most iconic natural landmarks.
Sustainability and Environmental Oversight
Deputy of Destination and Infrastructure Development at the Tourism Ministry, Hariyanto, emphasized that supervisory measures have been in place since the project’s inception in 2023. He stated that close coordination is ongoing with the provincial government of Bali and the Klungkung district authorities to protect the natural landscape.
“Our commitment to sustainability, safety, and cleanliness is paramount. We continue to monitor the project to make sure it aligns with environmental protection goals,” Hariyanto said on Thursday.
The ministry has mandated that the elevator’s developers adopt green construction methods and utilize renewable energy technologies to minimize the environmental footprint. These requirements form part of broader regulatory guidelines that seek to balance tourism growth with the preservation of natural and cultural assets, while also ensuring the safety and comfort of visitors.
Economic Benefits Versus Environmental Concerns
Local officials in Klungkung have defended the elevator project as a strategic move to boost tourism by encouraging longer visitor stays on Nusa Penida, which has experienced a significant rise in tourist arrivals—from 714,335 in 2023 to over 1.1 million in 2025. Despite these anticipated economic benefits, the project has generated concern among environmentalists and local communities. Social media platforms have been abuzz with discussions on the potential ecological damage and the alteration of the cliffside view at Kelingking Beach.
Responding to these public concerns, Bali’s Regional Representative Council has formally requested clarifications from the Klungkung government regarding the privately funded project’s environmental impact.
Aligning Tourism Development with Long-Term Sustainability
The Indonesian Tourism Ministry’s proactive oversight is part of a comprehensive effort to ensure that tourism infrastructure development supports sustainable economic growth while protecting Bali’s unique ecosystem for future generations.
This initiative aligns with Indonesia’s long-term strategy to foster responsible tourism that leverages economic opportunities without compromising environmental integrity. By enforcing stringent regulations and promoting eco-friendly practices, the government aims to set a precedent for sustainable tourism development within Bali and beyond.
As the glass elevator project progresses, authorities remain vigilant to ensure transparency and community involvement, prioritizing ecological preservation alongside tourism expansion on Nusa Penida Island.
Photo credit: ANTARA/Dewa Ketut Sudiarta Wiguna – Foreign tourists arriving on Nusa Penida Island, October 22, 2024.
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