Tourism Ministry Addresses Controversy Over Glass Elevator Construction at Bali’s Nusa Penida
Jakarta, October 31, 2025 – The Ministry of Tourism has responded to growing public concern regarding the construction of a glass elevator at Kelingking Beach, one of Nusa Penida’s most iconic tourist destinations in Bali. The new facility aims to facilitate visitor access to the beach but has ignited debate over its environmental and aesthetic impact on the pristine natural landscape.
Project Sparks Public Debate
The glass elevator project, which involves a 182-meter-high structure alongside a 64-meter-long bridge, was developed to improve accessibility for tourists descending to the beach. However, many local residents and visitors have voiced concerns that the construction obscures breathtaking views and detracts from Kelingking Beach’s natural charm. Social media platforms witnessed viral posts criticizing the elevator for compromising the area’s unspoiled scenery.
Residents of Klungkung Regency, where Nusa Penida is located, fear that the elevator’s presence diminishes the authenticity and appeal of the area, which had drawn tourists for its untouched landscape.
Ministry Supervises With Emphasis on Sustainability
In response, the Ministry of Tourism emphasized that it is closely supervising the project in coordination with the Provincial Office of Bali and the Klungkung Regency Tourism Office. Deputy for Destination Development and Infrastructure, Hariyanto, stated that oversight began as early as the elevator’s planning phase in 2023 to ensure strict adherence to regulations regarding environmental protection, safety, and cleanliness.
“The Ministry of Tourism will continue to collaborate with relevant parties to ensure the construction complies with all prevailing regulations and maintains environmental sustainability,” Hariyanto affirmed during a press briefing in Jakarta on October 30. The Ministry further encouraged the developers to implement green construction standards throughout the process and to explore renewable energy technologies to minimize environmental impact, underscoring a commitment to sustainable tourism development.
Balancing Tourism Growth and Environmental Preservation
While acknowledging the concerns, the Ministry also highlighted the potential benefits of the elevator in boosting tourism. According to Hariyanto, the facility is expected to increase visitor numbers and the average length of stay, serving as a new attraction for tourists.
Tourism data reflect a strong upward trend, with the number of visitors to Nusa Penida rising markedly from 714,335 in 2023 to 1,108,791 in 2024. The Klungkung Regency government remains optimistic about reaching 1.5 million tourist visits by the end of 2025, supported by international recognitions such as Tripadvisor’s Best Beach award in 2024 and Trip.com’s Top Global Water Fun Attraction in 2025. Nonetheless, the Ministry emphasized that all tourism development initiatives must respect local cultural values and maintain the authenticity of attractions to prevent cultural erosion. Local community involvement in planning and operations is also crucial to ensure equitable economic benefits and the preservation of indigenous knowledge.
Looking Ahead for Nusa Penida
Despite the controversy, Hariyanto indicated that construction activities have not negatively affected tourist arrivals to Nusa Penida to this point. Daily visitation ranges between 3,000 to 6,000 tourists, demonstrating sustained interest in the destination.
The Ministry of Tourism remains committed to balancing infrastructure development with environmental integrity and cultural preservation, aiming to secure Nusa Penida’s position as a world-class sustainable tourism destination.
For visitors and stakeholders, the evolving situation at Kelingking Beach highlights the complex challenge of enhancing accessibility while safeguarding natural beauty and community heritage in one of Bali’s most treasured locations.
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