The arrival of Badung Regent and Bali Governor Wayan Koster was met with a peaceful protest against the planned demolition of buildings at Bingin Beach on Monday, July 21st. (jurnalisrakyat/Instagram)
The Bali Provincial Government, led by Governor I Wayan Koster and Badung Regent I Wayan Adi Arnawa, carried out the demolition of dozens of seemingly illegal buildings at Bingin Beach, Desa Pecatu, South Kuta District, on Monday, July 21, 2025. The targeted structures included villas, homestays, restaurants, and various tourism-related facilities that were constructed without permits and in violation of multiple laws and regulations.
The land on which these businesses were built is owned by the Badung Regency Government. Authorities stated that the operations were part of a broader effort to enforce land use policies and eliminate unauthorized commercial developments in coastal areas.
“This land is land owned by the Badung Regional Government registered in the assets of the Badung Regional Government. So this building is a building, not on the property of an individual. That’s a violation,” he explained.
Enforcement Backed by Security Forces
Governor Koster and Regent Arnawa arrived at the site at approximately 08.30 WITA. Their presence was met with protest banners from several residents. Despite this, the enforcement proceeded as planned. Governor Koster conducted a symbolic act of enforcement by striking the entrance and signage of Morabito Art Cliff with a hammer.
Among them are, “We Reject the Demolition of the Bingin Beach Business”, “Reject the Unilateral Execution of the Badung Regency Government Without the Permanent Legal Force of the State Administrative Court”, and “We Want to Be Regulated to Refuse to Be Dismantled”.
The demolition was carried out under the supervision of a joint task force composed of police officers, military personnel, and civil service enforcement units. On-site workers manually dismantled the structures using hammers and crowbars.
Government Asserts Legal Compliance
The provincial administration stated that all required legal steps had been followed prior to the demolition. Governor Koster confirmed that written warnings were issued three times before any enforcement took place. He further announced that no compensation would be provided to the property owners, citing their failure to obtain proper construction permits and their breach of applicable land use laws.
Governor Koster also emphasized his commitment to upholding similar actions in other areas if additional violations are discovered.
“Where do you want compensation from. This is actually how he got money, illegal money can be reversed,” he said after carrying out the symbolic demolition of one of the local restaurants and cafes on Monday.
He noted that efforts would be made to ensure that affected workers can find alternative employment, although further details have not yet been disclosed.
“Of course it will be thought about (workers from the surrounding community). We are also not not not protecting, of course protecting, but if it is not orderly to violate using other people’s assets, can it be allowed? You can’t. We must not educate the public to commit violations,” he explained.
Residents Voice Concerns Over Fairness and Jobs
Several residents voiced objections to the demolitions, raising concerns about fairness and transparency. Sujastra, a local resident, said the land had been used by the community for generations and described the demolition as premature.
“This land comes from our ancestors. The local government should have provided a transition period, at least five to ten years, after which we ourselves would dismantle the buildings,” Sujastra said at the site on Monday.
He expressed concern that the demolition could be linked to future plans to bring in foreign investors, pointing out that other structures higher up on the cliff allegedly owned by investors had not been targeted.
“There is suspicion that investors will manage this area later. That would betray the community if true,” he said.
According to Sujastra, local residents are the de facto owners of the buildings, having developed them over time with occasional financial support from visiting foreigners. He emphasized that foreign visitors provided assistance, but ownership and operations remained with the local community.
Traders Worry About Economic Impact
Nyoman Musadi, coordinator of the Bingin Beach Traders Association, also voiced concern. He noted that many of the structures had been in place for three to four decades and were operated and staffed by Indonesian citizens
“For now, employees are still working because we need to earn a living. Where buildings have not yet been demolished, we are staying in place to continue working,” said Musadi.
He warned that the demolitions could affect tourism to the area. For guests with existing reservations, he said the traders had made efforts to inform visitors about the situation.
Legal Action Filed to Delay Further Enforcement
Alex Barung, legal counsel representing the Bingin Beach community through ABL Law Office, urged the provincial government to maintain fairness and consistency in implementing the demolition orders.
He stated that his office had filed a lawsuit with the Denpasar State Administrative Court, requesting a delay in the enforcement actions until a legal review is completed.
