The State News Agency Antara reports that Anak Agung Ngurah Manik Danendra, a member of the royal household at Puri Tegal Pemecutan in Denpasar, Bali, is threatening to sue Bali’s Governor Wayan Koster if rules are promulgated forbidding mountain climbing on 22 mountains on the Island.
On Monday, 19 June 2023, Danendra said he would sue the Governor for Rp. 22 trillion for introducing illegal measures that cause damage to the people of Bali. In a written statement, Danendra explained that his planned legal action is authorized under law as a “class action” proceeding. He accused the Governor of being an official who rejects criticism and takes unilateral measures as the Island’s Chief Executive.
The threatened suit to be filed by Danendra is in connection with the Governor’s proclamation issued on 06 June 2023 outlawing trekking and climbing activities on 22 mountains in Bali. The suit seeks Rp.1 trillion in damages for each of the 22 mountains affected by the Governor’s decree.
Danendra depicts the Governor’s prohibition on trekking and mountain climbing as illegal and heavy-handed. “It is unnecessary to forbid people from climbing mountains by issuing a Provincial law. It is sufficient to (merely) suggest or recommend the public not to climb mountains,’ added Danendra.
Moreover, Danendra underlined his concerns that numerous sectors of the Island’s economy would be impacted by Governor Koster’s decree affecting mountain guides, small and medium-sized entrepreneurs, camping equipment suppliers, and local villagers. He continued, saying there are many ways to safeguard the sanctity of Balinese mountains by conducting religious rites and requiring visitors to wear traditional costumes.
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