Construction of Glass Elevator at Bali’s Kelingking Beach Sparks Local Outrage and Is Temporarily Halted
The construction of a towering glass elevator on the cliffs of Kelingking Beach, located on Nusa Penida island off Bali, Indonesia, has been temporarily suspended following widespread local opposition and concerns regarding permits and environmental impact.
Famous for its dramatic rock formation resembling a Tyrannosaurus rex silhouette, Kelingking Beach has long been a treasured viewpoint for tourists who venture to Nusa Penida, approximately 45 minutes by ferry from Denpasar. Despite its breathtaking allure, accessing the beach requires a challenging and perilous descent down steep cliffs, making safety a significant concern.
The China Kaishi Group initiated construction of the 182-meter tall elevator in July 2023, promoting the project as a cutting-edge solution to improve tourist access and safety. The multi-million-dollar development promises two external sightseeing elevators, a sky café, a restaurant, and a sprawling 400 square meter panoramic overlook. According to the developer, the elevator would reduce the descent from a nearly two-hour climb to a one-minute ride, enhancing both accessibility and visitor experience.
Recent videos of the site reveal a large metal structure interrupting the natural cliffside vista, fueling frustration among local residents and environmental advocates. The Bali tourism ministry has stated it has been overseeing the project from the start to ensure adherence to sustainability, safety, and cleanliness standards.
Nonetheless, on Friday, Bali authorities ordered a temporary halt to construction due to missing permits. I Made Supartha, head of the committee on planning and permits in Bali’s legislature, emphasized that if the project violated spatial regulations, enforcement actions would proceed to prevent further on-site activities.
While tourism officials maintain that visitor numbers have actually increased by over 35% from 2023 to 2024, with the elevator expected to bolster tourism prospects further, the project has unleashed significant local dissent. Many residents feel that this development compromises the natural beauty and cultural value of Kelingking Beach.
Made Sediana, a local, lamented that the elevator "shamefully destroys the beautiful view of Kelingking beach," arguing that tourists come to enjoy the natural panorama, not mechanical lifts. Similarly, Indonesian Senator Niluh Djelantik has publicly voiced her opposition, warning that constructing such infrastructure at the cliff’s edge amid dangerous ocean currents could lead visitors "to the gate of disaster." She also stated she would "never" use the elevator and cited the controversy as emblematic of larger development issues facing Bali.
Adding to safety debates, the beach remains officially closed to swimming due to treacherous currents. A tragic incident involving a French tourist’s death two weeks ago after ignoring warnings underscores the hazards. The elevator’s proponents mention potential use in emergency rescues, but critics question the necessity of promoting access to a hazardous area.
As of now, the future of the glass elevator project remains uncertain. Bali government representatives have not provided comments following the suspension order. The local community and environmentalists continue to call for careful review, emphasizing preservation of Bali’s natural heritage and prioritizing sustainable tourism development.
This ongoing controversy highlights the complex balance between enhancing visitor infrastructure and protecting the pristine environments that make Bali a world-renowned destination. Observers await further regulatory decisions that will influence how tourism evolves on Nusa Penida and similar cherished sites.
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