Bali Advances with Legislation to Ban Private Beaches and Ensure Public Access
Bali, Indonesia — The Indonesian island of Bali is taking significant steps to protect public access to its iconic beaches by moving forward with a ban on private beaches. This initiative comes amid growing concerns over commercial developments, particularly hotels and villas, restricting local communities’ access to coastal areas that hold cultural, religious, and social importance.
Governor I Wayan Koster submitted draft legislation on November 17, 2025, to the Bali Regional Legislative Council (DPRD) aimed at safeguarding beach and shoreline access for the public. In doing so, the governor emphasized the integral role that beaches play for local residents, especially as venues for traditional religious ceremonies such as Segara Kerthi and Pakelem.
“Access to the beach for Segara Kerthi or Pakelem ceremonies is becoming increasingly limited,” Governor Koster noted, highlighting the challenges faced by local communities. He criticized certain hotel and villa operators who have allegedly blocked public shorelines, preventing residents from performing essential religious rites and restricting social activities during important ceremonies.
The governor underscored that the intended legislation seeks to restore Bali’s beaches "to their original purpose" and prevent illegal restrictions imposed by private tourist accommodations. “It’s as if those who build hotels or villas think they own the beach and the sea,” Koster remarked. “They dictate what people can and cannot do, even though they only own land near the shore, not the beach or the ocean itself.”
This move aligns with the 2016 Presidential Regulation on shoreline boundaries, which states that beaches—defined as land extending at least 100 meters inland from the highest tide line—are public spaces owned by the state and cannot be privatized. Nevertheless, in recent years, numerous luxury hotels and villas in Bali’s major tourist regions have claimed ownership of adjacent beaches, restricting access and at times forcibly removing locals and tourists on grounds of trespassing.
The draft legislation is expected to be debated rapidly with the goal of enactment before the end of 2025, signaling the Balinese government’s commitment to preserving the island’s beach access for all.
Bali’s beaches are among its most treasured assets, drawing tourists worldwide and serving as vital cultural and communal hubs for residents. This legislative effort reflects a broader push to balance tourism development with the rights and traditions of the local population.
Local residents and visitors alike await the outcome of the proposed regulation with keen interest, hopeful that it will ensure the right of everyone to enjoy Bali’s pristine coastal environment without unlawful exclusion.
Related Topics:
- Tourism and Development in Bali
- Public Land Rights in Indonesia
- Religious and Cultural Traditions of Bali
- Sustainable Tourism and Community Access
As Bali charts this course towards greater beach accessibility, it joins a growing list of global destinations addressing the challenges of overtourism and privatization of natural resources, affirming the importance of public spaces in culturally rich and environmentally sensitive areas.
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