Bali Officials Begin Demolishing Bingin Beach Tourist Spots Amid Permit Controversy
Uluwatu, Bali — Early on Monday, local authorities in Bali commenced the demolition of nearly 40 beachside businesses at the well-known tourist destination of Bingin Beach, a hotspot favored by Australian and international surfers. The government declared that none of the structures possessed the necessary permits, categorizing them as illegal constructions.
The demolition operation, carried out by local workers with the support of police personnel, targeted villas, restaurants, and cafes nestled on the steep limestone cliffs that define Bingin Beach. Due to the challenging topography, heavy machinery could not be utilized; instead, officials resorted to manually dismantling tables, doors, and parts of buildings.
Bali’s Governor, I Wayan Koster, firmly stated, “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 explained that the properties violated the rural planning master plan, as the area is designated as a green belt, prohibiting such developments.
Impact on Business Owners and Community Outcry
Witnessing the demolition were owners, employees, locals, and tourists, many of whom reacted with distress. Emotional protests erupted with shouts condemning the government’s actions. One local woman lamented, “This is how the bureaucrats work. They’ve demolished our livelihoods.”
Several business owners expressed their fears for their future and the welfare of their families. Komang Agus, the manager of Morabito Art Cliff Villa’s restaurant, highlighted the economic toll: “One thousand people at Bingin Beach are losing their jobs right now. There’s no justice for us. Development projects continue elsewhere… why are we being targeted?”
Similarly, Komang Ayu, another restaurant manager, shared her worries about supporting her family amidst the destruction. “I have two small children and a husband. I’m also taking care of both parents; they are old. I heard rumors that Bingin will be demolished and rebuilt bigger, but I am not sure whether they will recruit us.”
Demolition impacts have extended beyond local residents to foreign investors, with business owners revealing to ABC News that six Australians are partners in some of the villas and restaurants slated for destruction.
Background: Rapid Development and Government Enforcement
Bingin Beach and the wider Uluwatu area have experienced a tourism-driven boom over the past few years. The region has seen rapid construction of villas, eateries, and cafes aiming to capitalize on the influx of visitors seeking Bali’s famous surf breaks, pristine beaches, and dramatic clifftop views. Both Indonesian and foreign-backed enterprises have been involved in this growth.
Despite this economic surge, local government reviews found a significant number of these structures constructed without official permits, prompting a crackdown aimed at preserving Bali’s cultural landscape and environmental integrity.
A local government chair commented that unauthorized constructions conflict with the Balinese architectural philosophy, which emphasizes harmony with nature, culture, and spirituality.
Calls for Fairness and Legal Action from Business Owners
Some businesses have been established for decades and have contributed substantially to the local tourism industry. I Wayan Salam Oka Suadnyana, whose mother began operating a kiosk in the 1980s, appealed for a fair resolution: “We knew that this land belonged to the local government, and we don’t hold a land ownership certificate… but we have contributed to developing the tourism industry here. After all that has been established, now the government wants to take the rights back? We just want a win-win solution from the government, we want fairness for us all. We pay taxes monthly.”
Meanwhile, Aldo Rama, manager of one of the villas and restaurants, voiced the collective sadness felt by employees: “About three dozen of my colleagues will lose their jobs. We have contributed a lot to develop this beach and contribute incomes for the local government through tax. This will affect Bali’s image, especially for people who want to stay in Bingin Beach.”
Business owners are now taking legal action in an attempt to protect their properties and livelihoods.
Broader Implications and Future Oversight
The demolitions underscore the tension between Bali’s rapid tourism growth and the need for sustainable development that respects the island’s unique culture and environment. Bali is on track to welcome more than 6.3 million international visitors in 2025, approaching pre-pandemic tourist levels.
Governor Koster indicated that the Bingin Beach crackdown is part of a wider initiative: “Our office is preparing an audit team to investigate all tourism licenses across Bali. If any violation is found, we will correct them, firm and hard. Of course, through the legal process first.”
This declaration hints at potential future enforcement actions elsewhere in Bali as authorities seek to regulate unpermitted developments and safeguard the island’s heritage and natural beauty.
Community Response
The day’s events drew a mixture of sadness and frustration from locals and visitors alike. Protesters gathered with placards reading: “Save Bingin, stop the demolition. Bingin is our home — not for sale!” An Australian surfer visiting Bali remarked on the rapid pace of development and the complexity of managing it, stating, “It’s sad to see all these people upset.” An Australian businessperson described the day as one “that will go down in Bali’s history.”
As Bali’s government moves toward greater regulatory scrutiny, the Bingin Beach story stands as a significant moment in balancing tourism-driven development with cultural preservation and community welfare.
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