Bali Governor Orders Demolition of Controversial Glass Elevator at Kelingking Beach
The Bali provincial government has mandated the removal of a glass elevator under construction at the scenic Kelingking Beach on Nusa Penida island, following widespread criticism and findings of planning violations.
Controversial Lift Sparks Backlash
For the past 18 months, the developer PT Indonesia Kaishi Tourism Property Investment Development Group had been building a 182-metre glass elevator designed to ease access to the beach. The lift aimed to save visitors from the steep and perilous dirt path leading down to Kelingking Beach’s iconic white sands, a popular but challenging tourist destination off Bali’s coast.
However, the project has sparked controversy among tourists, local politicians, and cultural advocates. Visitors expressed concerns that the elevator would detract from the natural beauty and pristine experience of the beach. An Indian tourist named Arun told reporters the construction was "ruining this photographic spot" and causing significant visual impact.
Government Cites Planning Violations and Cultural Preservation
At a press conference on Sunday, Bali Governor Wayan Koster announced his order for the developer to dismantle the elevator within six months. Governor Koster highlighted that the construction violated Bali’s strict spatial planning regulations, which are intended to protect the island’s unique natural environment and uphold its Hindu cultural heritage.
“If everything becomes like that, made easy, then eventually even climbing Mount Agung will require lifts,” Governor Koster said, referencing Bali’s tallest and active volcano. He cautioned that such developments risk eroding the “original Balinese character” that defines the island.
The provincial spatial planning committee had earlier found that the developer had improperly sought construction approvals from the local Klungkung Regency instead of the district government, further complicating the project’s legitimacy.
Support from Local Leaders for Preservation
AA Ngurah Adi Ardhana, a former Balinese Member of Parliament and vocal critic of the development, welcomed the governor’s decisive action. He praised the decision as a necessary step against permit abuses, land grabbing, and misuse of investment procedures.
Mr. Ardhana urged for similar vigilance across Bali in order to “restore Balinese tourism to its original, sustainable essence” while maintaining responsible growth in the sector.
Bali’s Tourism Continues to Thrive Amidst Growing Challenges
Despite the controversy, tourism to Bali remains robust. According to the Bali Hotels Association, over 5.3 million visitors have traveled to the island so far this year, with Australians making up nearly a quarter of that number. Data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics indicates Indonesia continues to be the top international destination for Australian tourists in the 2024–25 financial year.
The pushback against the glass elevator at Kelingking Beach underscores ongoing challenges Bali faces in balancing rapid tourism development with environmental stewardship and cultural preservation.
Looking Ahead
Authorities will oversee the elevator’s demolition within the coming six months, reinforcing Bali’s commitment to maintain the island’s natural landscapes and cultural identity. This decision reflects heightened awareness among local leaders and communities about the impacts of unchecked tourism infrastructure projects on Bali’s world-renowned natural heritage.
As Bali attracts increasing numbers of visitors, the province faces an urgent need to carefully manage development projects to protect its environment, culture, and tourism appeal for future generations.
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