Indonesia is planning to halt the construction of hotels, villas, and nightclubs in Bali to tackle the growing issue of overtourism and overdevelopment. The government aims to preserve the island’s natural environment and agricultural land, which have been under threat due to the rapid expansion of tourism.
Coordinating Maritime Affairs and Investment Minister Luhut Pandjaitan announced that the moratorium could last up to 10 years, depending on future evaluations. The proposed ban will primarily focus on four busy areas in Bali: Denpasar, Badung, Gianyar, and Tabanan, as suggested by Bali’s acting governor, Sang Made Mahendra Jaya. The moratorium is intended to curb the unchecked development of commercial properties, particularly hotels, villas, and beach clubs.
Since Bali reopened for tourism after the COVID-19 pandemic, the island has seen a surge in foreign tourists, with nearly 3.89 million visitors between January and July 2024, compared to 2.9 million during the same period in 2023. However, this influx has also brought challenges, including inappropriate behavior by some tourists, leading to the deportation of 340 foreigners last year.
Environmental groups, such as Walhi’s Bali chapter, have long advocated for such a moratorium, arguing that Bali has become overbuilt. The rapid development has led to the conversion of green spaces, including rice fields, into commercial properties, posing risks to food security and the environment. The high water consumption required by hotels and the disruption of traditional irrigation systems have further strained Bali’s ecosystem.
Despite the government’s intentions, some experts are skeptical about the effectiveness of the moratorium. Agung Wardana, an environmental law professor at Gadjah Mada University, pointed out that the policy might be “too little, too late.” He emphasized that tourism investments often disguise themselves as property developments, making enforcement challenging. Additionally, local elites benefit from tourism expansion, complicating efforts to curb overdevelopment.
To ensure the success of the moratorium, experts recommend accompanying it with strong environmental regulations and restoration efforts. The government also plans to reform Bali’s tourism industry by focusing on quality tourism that respects and preserves Balinese culture. With approximately 200,000 foreigners living in Bali, the government is committed to taking strict actions against those who violate regulations, aiming to protect the island’s environment and cultural heritage.
