DENPASAR, Bali – Public questions are mounting after Bali lawmakers discovered a number of luxury villas inside a protected area of West Bali National Park during an unannounced inspection this week.
The inspection, carried out Tuesday (April 28), was led by I Made Supartha and members of Bali’s Special Committee on Spatial Planning and Public Assets (Pansus TRAP), accompanied by forestry officials and representatives from related government agencies.
Officials said they identified 18 villa units spread across approximately 382 hectares of land, including at least five structures located within a protected mangrove conservation area.
The team also reported signs of mangrove clearing, land compaction, and alleged violations of coastal setback rules, which require buildings to maintain a minimum distance from the highest tide line.
Some of the villas were reportedly marketed at rates reaching Rp13.5 million (around US$800) per night, drawing further scrutiny because of their location inside a protected conservation zone.
“Luxury rates, but built on state forest and mangrove land. This is a serious matter and there can be no compromise when it comes to conservation areas,” Supartha said.
He stressed that tourism investment and economic development in Bali must comply with environmental regulations and spatial planning rules.
According to the committee’s preliminary findings, the project may have violated several Indonesian laws related to conservation, forestry, environmental protection, and regional spatial planning.
Following the inspection, the committee called for all activities at the site to be temporarily halted pending further investigation and legal review.
If violations are confirmed, authorities said those involved could face criminal penalties, permit revocations, demolition orders, and mandatory environmental rehabilitation measures.
“We urge all relevant authorities to act firmly and transparently. Bali’s environmental future cannot be sacrificed,” Supartha said.
Disclaimer: While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, this article may contain minor inaccuracies
in names, locations, or event details. Readers are welcome to contact the editorial team for any clarification.