Leaders in Bali’s Uluwatu are proposing that 45 hotels, private villas, and guesthouses in the Bingin Beach resort area be demolished after it was discovered that they were constructed illegally.
A group of Bali Senators has issued the provincial government with an ultimatum to demolish Step Up Hotel and 45 other illegal buildings in the Bingin Beach area.
The other buildings include villas, homestays, restaurants, and other tourist facilities suspected of violating various laws and regulations, ranging from spatial layout rules to indications of encroachment into state land.
Bingin Beach is one of Uluwatu’s most famous tourist hangout spots, and over the last five years, it has undergone a rapid period of development and transformation.
Speaking to reporters following a government meeting, attended by representatives from the buildings in question, the Chairman of the Commission I DPRD Bali, Nyoman Budiutama confirmed that the call for demolishing is based on evidence that all 46 sides of the buildings has been found to be violating administrative rules and/or spatial planning agreements.
Budiutama explained “The demolition is officially administrative. Because they violated the rules, we recommend it to law enforcement. The plan is that we will ask for them to be dismantled.
Budiutama confirmed “We will coordinate first because the dismantling requires the cost of heat equipment and the terrain is also harsh. So there needs to be coordination with the executives to carry out the demolitions recommendation from the Bali DPRD.”
He added that the government will give building owners the chance to do ‘self-demolition’ but that if orders are not fulfilled, the Bali Government will take over and coordinate the demolition of the buildings.
Budiutama noted that the calls for demolition are all part of a bigger effort to showcase the best of Bali’s tourism and preserve the culture of the Bingin area and Bali as a whole.
He shared, “Buildings that are not in accordance with the purpose not only violate the law, but also hurt the Balinese architectural philosophy that prioritizes harmony with nature, culture, and spirituality.”
The evidence called upon to demolish the buildings has been cited from investigative findings outlined by the Bali Provincial Satpol PP which is stated in letter Number R.22.300.1/5129/Bid II/Satpol PP dated May 10, 2025, that a number of buildings such as villas, bungalows, homestays, and restaurants that are located along the coast of Bingin Beach and the edge of the clifftop were found to be violating the law.
Some of the buildings and businesses are managed by Indonesian citizens, some by foreigners, and some involve both.
Budiatuama noted that each of the cases was complex and many of the premises were built by violating a series of different laws and regulations. He explained “Starting from the aspects of spatial planning, land, living environment, to the alleged criminal offense of land grabbing. It can even touch on criminal offenses if an element of intent is found by the relevant officials.”
The businesses are reported to have been issued closure notices and now many are awaiting the next steps and further instruction regarding the coordination of demolition efforts.
While members of the Bali DPRD have deemed the move a success, they have not outlined any follow-up steps that may be taken to help regenerate the Bingin Beach and clifftop area’s natural landscape after the demolition has taken place, nor outlines how and where materials will be deposed of or reused after the deconstruction has been carried out.
Following the meeting one of the building owners, Usiana Dethan, spoke to reporters and confirmed that he will await the government’s final decision regarding the recommendation for the demolition of illegal buildings before making any changes on the property.
He shared “From the corporation itself we have conveyed, now we just have to wait for the government’s action. It’s been a long time, not just yesterday.”
He confirmed that most of the building owners impacted by the demolition orders are prepared to be cooperative with the government and law enforcement but that nevertheless, they are waiting further clarity on the matter.
Dethan concluded “We are just waiting. Whether it will be dismantled, closed, or will there be a form of joint management between the Badung Regency Government and the Bali Provincial Government. That’s what’s not clear yet.”
Similar investigations that could result in demolition orders are being carried out across Badung Regency, including in Jimbaran Beach and Balangan Beach.
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