Bali Officials Begin Demolishing Tourist Spots at Bingin Beach Amid Permit Dispute
In a decisive move aimed at enforcing building regulations, Bali officials have launched a crackdown on nearly 40 tourism-related businesses and structures at Bingin Beach, one of the island’s most popular destinations in southern Bali. Authorities declared that none of the buildings had the proper permits, leading to government-ordered demolitions commencing on Monday, 21 July 2025. ### Illegal Constructions Targeted on Famous Tourist Beach
Bingin Beach, part of the scenic Uluwatu area, is renowned worldwide for its white sand beaches, striking cliffs, and prime surfing conditions. Over recent years, this stretch of coastline has witnessed a rapid boom in construction, with numerous villas, restaurants, and cafes established to cater to the burgeoning number of tourists. However, local government officials concluded that around 50 buildings—including villas and eateries—were erected without appropriate authorization, thus violating the island’s rural planning master plan which designates the area as part of a green belt.
The demolition operation was carried out by local workers supported by police presence. Due to the challenging cliff-side location, heavy machinery could not be brought in, so officials resorted to manually destroying tables, doors, and other fixtures of the targeted establishments. The sounds of demolition echoed above the usual beach ambience, accompanied by the distress and protests of business owners, employees, and locals witnessing their livelihoods being dismantled.
Government Crackdown Highlights Preservation Efforts
Governor of Bali, I Wayan Koster, who was present at the site, emphasized the importance of halting unauthorized construction to protect Bali’s environmental and cultural heritage. He said, “The buildings for tourism businesses here are illegal—that’s it. We should not let this practice continue. If we let this go on, Bali will be damaged.” He further indicated that an audit team is being prepared to investigate all tourism licenses across Bali “to correct any violations, firm and hard, through the legal process first.”
Business Owners and Employees Face Uncertain Future
The demolitions have had significant social and economic repercussions. Many of the affected businesses have been operating for decades, and some are family-owned establishments dating back to the 1980s. One business owner, I Wayan Salam Oka Suadnyana, shared that his mother began running a kiosk on the site when he was a child and expressed frustration over losing rights to land they have helped develop for tourism. Other managers and employees reported that approximately 1,000 people risk losing their jobs due to the closures.
As the scenes unfolded, business owners voiced concerns about the insufficient consultation period and the impact on their families and staff. Komang Agus, manager of one of the demolished restaurants, lamented the lack of empathy from officials and questioned the fairness of the crackdown given ongoing development projects elsewhere on the island. Meanwhile, Komang Ayu, another manager affected by the action, expressed worry about how she would support her children and elderly parents moving forward.
International Connections and Legal Challenges
The crackdown also affects foreign investors, with reports that six Australian nationals are business partners in some of the properties targeted for demolition. One Australian surfer observing the events described the situation as “sad,” acknowledging the complexity of Bali’s rapid development and governance challenges.
In response, business owners have initiated legal proceedings to protect their properties and seek equitable solutions. Protesters gathered with signs reading “Save Bingin, stop the demolition. Bingin is our home—not for sale!” underscoring local resistance to the government’s actions.
Balancing Development and Conservation in Bali
This dramatic episode reflects the broader tensions Bali faces as it manages soaring tourist numbers—projected to surpass 6.3 million international visitors in 2025—and a construction boom that some say threatens the island’s natural beauty and cultural identity. The government’s renewed enforcement sends a message on regulatory compliance, but also raises complex questions about sustainable tourism, local livelihoods, and the future shape of Bali’s iconic coastal areas.
As legal battles unfold and the community seeks solutions, the Bingin Beach demolitions mark a pivotal moment in Bali’s ongoing effort to balance growth with preservation.
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