In a decisive move to uphold regulatory integrity and preserve Bali’s iconic natural landscapes, Governor Wayan Koster has issued a strict order for the demolition of a controversial glass lift project on the stunning cliffs of Kelingking Beach in Klungkung Regency. This directive comes amidst a broader commitment to ensuring responsible and sustainable tourism development across the island.
This firm directive follows a joint decision by the Bali Governor and the Klungkung Regent to halt the project, initiated after the investor, PT Indonesia Kaishi Tourism Property Investment Development Group, was found guilty of five serious violations. Governor Koster has also committed to investigating the initial permitting process, intending to trace all parties involved in greenlighting the construction on Kelingking Beach’s sensitive cliffside.
The extensive project, which carried a staggering total cost of IDR 200 billion (approximately USD 12.8 million), included several substantial structures. These comprise a 563.91 square-meter ticket counter precariously situated at the cliff’s edge, a 42-meter connecting bridge leading to the main attraction, and the towering 180-meter glass lift itself, which spans 846 square meters and even houses a restaurant within its complex. The glass lift alone was an estimated IDR 60 billion (approximately USD 3.8 million) investment.
The Bali Provincial Government has formally demanded that PT Indonesia Kaishi Tourism Property Investment Development Group undertake the demolition independently within a strict timeframe of six months. Following the removal of the structures, the company is further obligated to restore the affected area’s natural function and aesthetic within an additional three months. This stringent timeline underscores the government’s commitment to swiftly rectifying the damage caused by the unauthorized development.
Should the developer fail to comply with this order for self-demolition, Governor Koster has made it clear that the Bali Provincial Government, in collaboration with the Klungkung Regency Government, will initiate the demolition process according to prevailing laws and regulations. To mitigate the financial burden on the regional budget, the local government is actively exploring the option of auctioning the demolition project, a strategy Koster noted “would not require any (government) budget.”
Beyond the immediate resolution of this particular case, Governor Koster articulated a broader, unwavering policy concerning future tourism developments on the island. He explicitly stated his intent to reject any similar investment proposals that seek to introduce mechanical lifts or analogous infrastructure to facilitate easier access for tourists at Kelingking Beach or other natural attractions.
The Governor passionately emphasized the importance of preserving Bali’s unique authenticity and natural allure. “If everything becomes like this, where convenience dictates all, eventually even climbing Mount Agung will have lifts or other forms. All our tourist attractions will have lifts; where then lies Bali’s originality? It will be lost,” Koster warned, painting a vivid picture of a future he aims to prevent.
Koster reiterated his commitment to safeguarding the long-term ecological and cultural integrity of iconic sites like Nusa Penida. “Things like this should not be allowed,” he asserted firmly. “We are better off protecting the long-term future of Nusa Penida than defending projects that will ultimately destroy its essence.” This resolute stance reinforces Bali’s dedication to sustainable tourism and the preservation of its irreplaceable natural heritage.
Summary
Bali Governor Wayan Koster has ordered the demolition of a controversial IDR 200 billion glass lift project at Kelingking Beach, Klungkung Regency. This directive follows findings that investor PT Indonesia Kaishi Tourism Property Investment Development Group committed five serious violations. The extensive project included a 180-meter glass lift, a ticket counter, and a connecting bridge. The developer must self-demolish the structures within six months and restore the natural area within an additional three months, or the government will intervene.
Governor Koster also declared a firm policy to reject any similar future investment proposals for mechanical lifts at Kelingking Beach or other natural attractions. He emphasized the crucial importance of preserving Bali’s unique authenticity and natural allure, particularly for iconic sites like Nusa Penida. This stance reinforces the government’s commitment to sustainable tourism and safeguarding the island’s long-term ecological and cultural integrity.
