Bali Imposes Ban on New Hotels and Restaurants to Combat Flooding and Overdevelopment
In response to recent deadly flash flooding and growing concerns over the environmental impact of mass tourism, Bali’s provincial government has announced a new policy to prohibit the construction of new hotels and restaurants on rice fields and other productive agricultural land. This decisive measure aims to address the island’s escalating flood risk and preserve its traditional landscapes.
Deadly Floods Prompt Urgent Action
On September 10, 2025, Bali experienced its most severe flooding in over a decade due to intense rainfall, resulting in a state of emergency being declared. The flash floods caused significant devastation, killing at least 18 people and damaging thousands of homes, public facilities, and infrastructure across Denpasar and neighboring regions. Thousands more residents were affected, prompting widespread calls for improved land management and disaster mitigation.
Focus on Restricting Land Conversion
Governor Wayan Koster revealed that new instructions have already been issued to district heads and mayors throughout the island. Effective immediately, the government will halt the issuance of permits for hotels, restaurants, and similar commercial facilities on productive land, with a particular emphasis on protecting Bali’s iconic rice paddies. These rules align with the island’s 100-year strategic plan, which seeks to prevent the conversion of agricultural areas into commercial developments starting this year.
“After managing the flood aftermath, we will convene to ensure these regulations are enforced,” Governor Koster said on September 14. “From 2025 onward, no productive land can be transformed into commercial use.”
Environmental Concerns and Overdevelopment
Bali, famed for its verdant rice terraces and pristine beaches, has undergone rapid urban and tourist infrastructure development over the past several decades. While the tourism boom has brought economic benefits, it has also sparked complaints about increasing traffic congestion, pollution, and strains on local resources. Environmental activists have repeatedly warned that unchecked mass tourism contributes to environmental degradation, including deforestation and land conversion, which exacerbates natural disaster risks.
Indonesia’s previous attempt to impose a moratorium on new hotels last year did not come to fruition, but these newly announced bylaws are expected to be implemented by the end of 2025. The decision follows warnings from Indonesia’s meteorological agency about an upcoming extreme rainy season and growing concerns that waste management issues are worsening flooding conditions.
Climate Change and Flooding Risk
Flooding is a common seasonal hazard in Indonesia between September and March, but scientists attribute the increased frequency and severity of recent events to the broader effects of human-induced climate change. Warmer air holds more moisture, thus intensifying rainfall during storms. Combined with rapid deforestation and aggressive land use changes linked to tourism infrastructure development, the risk and impact of flooding on the island have amplified.
Indonesia’s Environmental Minister, Hanif Faisal Nurofiq, emphasized the significance of the new rules, stating, “These steps are crucial for Bali’s tourism sector and environmental sustainability. I urged Governor Koster to halt land conversions immediately, as this is critical to preventing further disasters.”
Looking Ahead
The move to block new commercial developments on productive land represents an important shift for Bali’s management of tourism growth and environmental preservation. By safeguarding agricultural lands and limiting overdevelopment, the government hopes to reduce vulnerability to flooding and maintain the island’s natural beauty — key factors that attract visitors worldwide.
As Bali confronts the dual challenges of climate change and tourism pressure, this policy change marks a pivotal moment in balancing economic development with ecological resilience and community safety.
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