As reported by Detik.com, Bali’s Governor-elect, Wayan Koster, has declared that there will be no moratorium or limitations on building new hotels and villas in Bali. Alternatively, Koster insists he will issue a new Provincial Decree (Perda) to control and manage accommodation development more strictly.
“There is no need for a moratorium. What’s needed is stricter control,” said Koster after attending a meeting on Thursday, 09 January 2024, held at The Trans Resort in Bali to ratify his re-election and the election of Bali’s deputy governor.
By abandoning plans for a moratorium on new hotels and villas, Governor Koster said that opportunities would be preserved for new investors to build hotels and villas in Bali. Koster has not explained the specific mechanisms he will include in any new Provincial Decree to control rampant and uncontrolled development in the tourism accommodation sector.
“Yes, I will continue to permit the building of villas and hotels. But the rules will be strict,” said Governor Koster.
Earlier, the former Coordinating Minister of Maritime Affairs and Investment, Luhut Binsar Panjaitan, criticized the number of new hotels and villas built in Bali. He expressed his concerns after noting the construction surrounding his home in the Cemagi area of Bali. Rice fields once filled Cemagi in North Kuta but are now inundated with buildings.
Commenting at the time, Luhut said: “No one should be building in rice fields. Let the rice fields remain rice fields so Bali can remain uniquely Bali.”
Echoing Luhut’s sentiments, the former Minister of Tourism and the Creative Economy, Sandiaga Salahudin Uno, also recommended a moratorium on new hotels in South Bali soon be implemented. Sandiaga said that accommodation in South Bali was overbuilt and must be controlled to avoid overtourism.
Koster’s decision to exercise firmer control on new hotel and villa permits rather than impose a moratorium is hoped to strike a balance between tourism development and environmental protection.
Related Links
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Moratorium on Development: 2 or 10 Years?
Equitable Approach to Tourism Development
Support Grows for 2-Year Bali Moratorium
Time for Moratorium on S. Bali Development?
BTB-GIPI Supports Bali Hotel Moratorium
Megawati Wants Bali Hotel Moratorium
Bali to Limit Number of Foreign Tourists?
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