Leaders in Bali have confirmed that demolition work has begun in Uluwatu’s Bingin Beach.
More than 45 businesses in the Bingin Beach area have been issued with demolition notices after the Bali Provincial Government, Badung Regency Government, and Satpol PP discovered a range of building and spatial planning violations in the popular surf and tourism spot.
Speaking to reporters, the Head of Bali Province Satpol PP, Dewa Nyoman Darmadi, shared that the demotion orders have been issued after intense discussions with the joint team from the provincial authorities and regency-level authorities.
He shared, “We have issued 3 [warning letters] to entrepreneurs in 48 buildings, not 45. Because it was only detected following the increase from 45 to 48. This means that there are three buildings that were previously left behind.”
There are 38 different business owners affected by the demolition orders across the 48 business premises. The notices have been sent through the Bali Provincial Secretary to the Badung Regency Government.
The final order letter from the Badung Regent for the technical implementation of the demolition is pending.
In the meantime, business owners who have been issued demolition notices have been given the opportunity to dismantle their properties themselves or make structural changes to the buildings as quickly as possible in order to come into compliance.
Dharmdi reiterated the stance of the government, saying that legal protests will not stop the demolitions from going ahead in the meantime. He told reporters, “We, Satpol PP, are not policymakers. The decision remains to dismantle and restore its function as a local protected area.” He noted, “Please take legal action. But we will still carry out the execution.”
He also told reporters on Friday, 5th July the administrative process has been going on for a long time, starting from the warning letter to the SP3. Currently, we are just waiting for the sprint from the Regent. Our target is that the execution can start next week.”
He explained, “Some have submitted objections through letters and asked for an audience. But it needs to be emphasized, we are only implementing the rules, not policy makers. They have had the opportunity to meet with the Regent of Badung, and the decision is clear: the land is returned to its original function as a protected green area.”
Darmadi also responded to concerns that the demolition notices at Bingin Beach have been issued in order to clear the way for new investment. He told reporters, “That’s not true. Future arrangements are still being formulated, but what is certain is that these illegal business buildings must be dismantled first.”
The investigation into illegal construction at Bingin Beach also found violations at the Step Up Hotel in Jimbaran Beach.
The height of the building has been discovered to be 15.58m, which is 1.58m taller than the 14m as stipulated in the planning permission. He shared “Step Up with previous findings stated that there was an excess height of 1.58 meters. It has been followed up according to our warning letter.”
Darmadi confirmed that the Step Up Hotel management team has cut down the parts of the building that exceeded the limits according to the council’s recommendations and the Certificate of Functional Suitability (SLF) regulations. Adding “Supervision will reach the SLF in 90 percent of the buildings, which Badung will supervise.”
The hotel has also been ordered to include Balinese traditional ornaments within the building. Darmadi concluded, “Balinese ornaments will be completed during finishing.”
“They have agreed to follow the council’s direction and recommendations.”
Tourists visiting the Bingin Beach area in the coming weeks will see more construction and demolition work happening in the area. Bingin Beach and the broader Uluwatu area are increasingly popular with tourists from all around the world.
Tourists traveling in the Uluwatu area this high season should leave more than enough time to travel from A to B, as traffic congestion within the Bukit, especially along Jalan Uluwatu and Jalan Labuan Sait, can be particularly congested at peak travel times.
Discover more from The Bali Sun
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.