The provincial government of Bali has announced a comprehensive moratorium on new hotel, villa, restaurant, and nightclub construction in select areas, effective in late 2025. The policy is part of a broader effort to address overdevelopment, manage tourism growth, and preserve the island’s remaining agricultural lands.
Officials confirmed that the ban will initially apply to densely developed areas, such as Denpasar, Badung, Gianyar, and Tabanan, where rapid construction has contributed to congestion and environmental degradation. However, more recent reports indicate that the policy’s scope has expanded to include productive agricultural zones across six districts: Tabanan, Jembrana, Buleleng, Bangli, Karangasem, and Klungkung.
A Shift Toward Sustainable Tourism
The moratorium aligns with Bali’s long-term “100-year plan” for sustainable development, which emphasizes managing existing tourism infrastructure rather than expanding it. Authorities stated that the decision aims to promote tourism that prioritizes environmental protection and the preservation of Balinese culture.
In recent years, concerns have grown over the impact of unchecked development on the island’s natural resources. Flash flooding and declining agricultural land have prompted calls for stricter regulation of land conversion. The government’s latest decision is designed to curb further loss of farmland and ensure that tourism growth remains sustainable in the years ahead.
Duration and Implementation
While the policy is scheduled to take effect in 2025, the specific length of the moratorium is still under review. Discussions in late 2024 suggested that the restriction could last up to 10 years, though the final duration will depend on ongoing evaluations by local authorities.
The regulation will specifically prohibit the construction of new hotels, villas, restaurants, and nightclubs within the designated areas. Government officials are currently aligning the policy with existing land-use plans to ensure consistency across districts.
Managing Tourism Capacity
Rather than expanding capacity, the provincial administration has shifted focus toward improving the management of existing tourist facilities. This includes enforcing new regulations on visitor behavior and developing infrastructure projects such as a proposed rail system intended to reduce traffic congestion in heavily visited regions.
Authorities believe that maintaining the balance between tourism and sustainability is essential to the island’s long-term future. The moratorium is viewed as a critical step toward preventing overcrowding and protecting agricultural areas from further conversion.
Next Steps in Policy Enforcement
The ban is expected to begin in late 2025, with enforcement measures tied to ongoing land-use assessments. The government has not yet confirmed the exact end date of the moratorium but has reiterated its commitment to aligning the policy with Bali’s broader sustainable development strategy.
As implementation approaches, local agencies are expected to coordinate with regional governments to monitor compliance and evaluate the effectiveness of the moratorium in achieving its stated goals.
