Bali Officials Begin Demolishing Tourist Spots at Bingin Beach Over Permit Violations
Uluwatu, Bali – July 22, 2025
Bali’s local government has commenced demolition operations targeting nearly 40 tourist businesses at the renowned Bingin Beach in southern Bali, declaring all the structures to be "illegal" due to lacking the appropriate permits. The move marks a significant enforcement crack down amid concerns about rapid, unregulated development affecting the island’s environment and cultural heritage.
Crackdown on Illegal Buildings at Bingin Beach
On Monday, local authorities accompanied by police began physically dismantling beachside villas, restaurants, and cafes constructed along the steep limestone cliffs of Bingin Beach, a hotspot known worldwide to surfers and holidaymakers, especially Australians. Without the use of heavy machinery—due to the challenging cliff-side terrain—workers resorted to hand tools like sledgehammers, breaking down tables, doors, and walls.
Bali Governor I Wayan Koster publicly declared that none of the nearly 50 buildings at Bingin Beach held valid permits and emphasized that ongoing illegal constructions pose risks to Bali’s natural beauty and cultural fabric. “The buildings for tourism businesses here are illegal — that’s it,” Governor Koster said. “We should not let this practice continue. If we let this go on, Bali will be damaged.”
The demolition activities drew emotional responses from business owners, employees, locals, and tourists. Shouts and wails punctuated the usually serene surf sounds as people protested the destruction of livelihoods built over decades. One local woman lamented, “This is how the bureaucrats work. They’ve demolished our livelihoods.”
Impact on Local Businesses and Workers
Many affected proprietors voiced deep concerns about their futures. Some of the businesses being torn down have operated for decades, contributing to both Bali’s tourism economy and local employment. Komang Agus, manager of one impacted villa’s restaurant, grouped with others feeling the loss profoundly, stated, “One thousand people at Bingin Beach are losing their jobs right now. There’s no justice for us.”
Another manager, Komang Ayu, shared her worries about supporting her family amid the uncertainty. “I have two small children and a husband. I am also taking care of both parents, who are old,” she said. Rumors have spread that while some buildings will be reconstructed on a larger scale, it remains unclear if displaced workers will be rehired.
Some proprietors stressed that despite the lack of official land ownership certificates, they have long contributed taxes and tourism revenue, seeking a fair resolution rather than forced demolition. I Wayan Salam Oka Suadnyana, whose family started a business as a small kiosk in the 1980s, pleaded for understanding. “We just want a win-win solution from the government, we want fairness for us all,” he said. “We pay taxes monthly.”
Rising Tensions Amid Bali’s Tourism Boom
The clampdown reflects a growing tension in Bali as the island faces surging tourism post-pandemic. Visitor numbers are projected to reach over 6.3 million in 2025, a record high that has fueled a rapid construction boom, sometimes at the expense of environmental regulations and traditional Balinese architectural philosophies.
Local government officials have voiced concerns that unregulated development on green-belt land disrupts Bali’s cultural and environmental harmony. An official noted these buildings “hurt the Balinese architectural philosophy that prioritizes harmony with nature, culture, and spirituality.”
The demolition followed a series of warnings and “self-demolition” orders that some business owners contested. With no voluntary compliance, authorities proceeded with enforced demolitions.
Legal Challenges and Future Consequences
Despite the demolitions in progress, affected business owners have initiated legal action seeking protection for their properties. The conflict has drawn international attention, with several Australian business partners among those impacted. One Australian surfer visiting Bali commented on the sadness of witnessing the event unfold, acknowledging the complexities of Bali’s rapid development.
Bali Governor Koster announced plans to expand investigations into tourism licenses island-wide, signaling a broad effort to enforce compliance. “If any violation is found, we will correct them, firm and hard. Of course, through the legal process first,” he said.
Community Response and Concerns
Residents and business operators protested the demolitions, holding signs reading “Save Bingin, stop the demolition. Bingin is our home — not for sale!” Many locals fear the land will be cleared to make way for larger developers, potentially sidelining smaller, family-run enterprises that have shaped the area’s tourism culture.
As the dust settles on this dramatic enforcement action, the community of Bingin Beach confronts a challenging transition period, balancing urgent regulation with the welfare of those who rely on tourism for their livelihoods.
Bingin Beach, once known primarily for its surf and scenic clifftops, now faces a pivotal moment that may redefine its future as a beloved Bali destination. The demolition wave underscores Bali’s struggle to regulate tourism growth sustainably while preserving its natural and cultural heritage.
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