For Bali, one of Southeast Asia’s most famous tourism hotspots, the change has been drastic and major, as local governments sweep to eliminate illegal enterprises. In a statement, the Governor I Wayan Koster declared that almost 50 commercial entities on Bingin Beach would immediately be demolished. This even extends to private beach-side villas and restaurants constructed without permission. This decision comes as a result of an extensive joint review which uncovered more than 40 illegal structures.
During his announcement, Governor Koster described the purpose of this targeted enforcement as a response to illegal violations of rural planning laws. He stressed that many of these buildings have not gone through due permitting and are in contravention to the area’s planned green-belt or green-space plan. Local officials had long been writing merchants “self-demolition” orders, but few business owners bothered to take action. As a result, demolitions started on Monday, sparking protests and emergency legal actions by business owners in the shadow of the wrecking ball.
Impact on Local Community
That’s because those planned demolitions will directly affect as many as 1,000 workers living in the Bingin Beach area. Hundreds of former employees and their families are left with an uncertain future. For Komang Ayu, a restaurant manager and mother of two, life has been stressful. Most of all, she is worried about the loss of her job which is forthcoming. “I wanted to know how I’m going to be able to provide for my family,” she moaned. Her comments reflect the real toll that these demolitions take on families who rely on these businesses for their livelihoods.
I Wayan Salam Oka Suadnyana, whose family has run a kiosk since the 1980s, expressed the same feelings. He remembered that when his mother started the business, he was just five years old. This demonstrated decades of his family’s commitment to the state’s economy. “I am very depressed,” he said. “It’s not only my pain, but the pain of all the laborers of Bingin Beach to lose our decade-old traditional family business.”
Aldo Rama, owner of and manager of a handful of the villas and restaurants in the area, highlighted the stress this has caused employees financially. “Close to three dozen of my colleagues will probably find themselves out of a job,” he said. He made clear that any solution must put the needs and welfare of workers and their families first.
Legal Battles Ahead
In response to the demolition orders, 48 of the impacted business owners have filed a lawsuit to save their properties. They contend that the federal government has a responsibility to pursue an equitable resolution without demolishing property. We’re not looking for a government handout, we just want the government’s solutions to be a win-win — fairness for all of us. We shouldn’t be the ones paying taxes every month,” I Wayan Salam Oka Suadnyana told us at a recent community meeting.
And despite all of their pushing and prodding, Governor Koster still refuses to budge. “If I discover any violation, we will make an example of them, tough and strong,” he said. Most importantly, he understood the burdens owners of small businesses must navigate. At the same time, he was committed to enforcing strict rules that would preserve Bali’s natural beauty and cultural authenticity.
Now, with smoke mostly cleared, local residents are raising their voices to express frustrations that the government’s response so far lacks any real justice. One community member, Komang Agus, asked the crucial question. He was trying to understand why certain businesses are allowed to operate without penalty, while other businesses are pursued for demolition. “There’s no justice for us. There are development projects like this all over, why are we being singled out?” he inquired.
A Vision for Sustainable Tourism
Governor Koster’s administration said they intend to do an audit of all tourism licenses across Bali. He argues that this will force adherence to environmental regulations and stop future illegal building in major tourism centers. The governor has made more than one declaration of intent to pass on a better environment to the children of Bali.
This region was supposed to be included in the green-belt, Koster said firmly. He said that not dealing with the illegal structures would do long-term harm to Bali’s reputation as one of the world’s top tourist destinations. “We should not let this practice continue. If we continue to allow this, Bali will be ruined,” he claimed.
Fist fights are breaking out between local officials and business owners. Most residents would likely welcome any approach that makes regulatory compliance more palatable and better aligned with the community’s development and economic needs. The next few weeks will be key as court fights continue and conversations around sustainable tourism begin.
