Bali to Remove Controversial Glass Tourist Lift at T-Rex Cliff Following Environmental and Cultural Concerns
Bali’s provincial government has ordered the demolition of a partially constructed glass lift on the iconic T-Rex cliff viewpoint in Nusa Penida, a neighboring island known for its dramatic limestone formations and pristine beaches. The decision follows significant public protest and official findings of multiple violations related to environmental protection and construction permits.
A Project That Polarized Visitors and Authorities
The 180-meter tall lift was designed to ferry tourists safely from the cliff’s edge down to Kelingking Beach, a world-famous destination where the green ridges of the cliffs resemble the head and spine of a dinosaur. While intended to improve visitor safety by providing an alternative to the steep and frequently hazardous hiking path, the sleek white steel frame of the lift quickly drew widespread criticism for marring the natural landscape.
About 70% of the lift had already been built when work was halted by authorities in late October due to the absence of complete permits and suspected zoning violations. The construction sparked an intense debate about the balance between tourism development and conservation on the island, where nature, culture, and spirituality hold deep significance.
Government and Expert Oversight Lead to Demolition Order
Bali’s Governor I Wayan Koster publicly announced the decision to dismantle the structure within six months, signaling a broader commitment to safeguarding Bali’s environment and cultural heritage. “Development must be conducted with integrity and responsibility,” Koster affirmed. “It should protect Bali, not exploit it.” The developer, PT Indonesia Kaishi Tourism Property Investment Development, has been instructed to restore the site to its original natural state within three months following the lift’s removal.
A special committee from Bali’s provincial legislature found the project violated spatial regulations and recommended its removal to preserve the island’s natural balance and cultural values. Committee chair Made Supartha emphasized, “Our duty is to maintain development consistent with Bali’s harmony between humans, nature, and the divine.”
The committee’s report also raised concerns about another proposed attraction nearby—a bungee-jumping platform—reflecting growing unease about rapid commercialization and its impacts on Nusa Penida’s environment and traditional way of life.
Local Laws and the Challenge of Enforcement
Under local customary law, the coastal cliffs and temples in the area are considered sacred spaces, integral to Bali’s Tri Hita Karana philosophy, which advocates harmony between people, nature, and the spiritual realm. Environmental advocates and local leaders warned that projects like the glass lift threaten this fragile balance.
Klungkung District Chief I Made Satria noted that the permits for the lift were issued by Indonesia’s central government, limiting local authorities’ ability to regulate the development. He added that coordination with the developer is ongoing to mitigate negative impacts.
The developer, however, insists that all appropriate environmental assessments and legal requirements were met. According to company director I Komang Suantara, the project complied with Bali’s 2024 spatial plans and 2023 building codes.
Mixed Reactions from Tourism and Local Communities
The lift project, valued at approximately 200 billion rupiah (about $12 million), has drawn criticism from various quarters but also support, especially from parts of the tourism industry eager to revive visitor numbers after the pandemic’s impact.
Putu Darmaya, chairperson of the Indonesian Hotel and Restaurant Association for Klungkung, expressed disappointment with the demolition decision, pointing out the significant investment involved and questioning the rationale for stopping the nearly completed project.
Conversely, many tourists and conservationists applaud the government’s move. Visitor Hilmi Razak said the lift conflicted with Nusa Penida’s appeal as a destination for natural adventure and unspoiled beauty, remarking, “If people find the climb too tiring, perhaps they should stay home.”
Bali’s Struggle Between Development and Preservation
The glass lift controversy highlights Bali’s ongoing challenge in balancing booming tourism development with the protection of natural landscapes and cultural traditions. In recent years, provincial authorities have intensified efforts to regulate unplanned construction, cracking down on villas, bars, and resorts encroaching on farmland and sacred sites.
As Bali continues to recover and grow as a global tourist hotspot, the government’s stance signals a commitment to ensuring that future development upholds the island’s unique environmental and cultural heritage for generations to come.
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