The construction of a glass elevator on the cliffs of Kelingking Beach, Nusa Penida, Klungkung, Bali, has sparked widespread debate among internet users. Many critics argue that the project compromises the natural beauty of one of Bali’s most iconic tourist attractions.
The project, valued at Rp 200 billion, aims to provide easier access for tourists to reach the beach, which is currently accessible only through a steep staircase. The elevator, designed to rise 182 meters along the cliff face, has been described as a modern infrastructure upgrade intended to improve accessibility and visitor convenience.
Local Government Defends Project Legality
The Klungkung Regency Government has responded to the growing criticism. Head of the Investment and One-Stop Integrated Services Agency (DPMPTSP) of Klungkung, I Made Sudiarkajaya, stated that all legal and administrative requirements for the project have been met.
“Finally, (the license) was published in OSS (Online Single Submission),” said Sudiarkajaya when confirmed, Wednesday (29/10/2025).
He confirmed that the development complies with several key documents, including the Environmental Management and Monitoring Effort (UKL-UPL), Building Approval (PBG), Spatial Utilization Activity Suitability Approval (PKKPR), Risk-Based Business Licensing (PBBR), and the Business Identification Number (NIB).
“I have issued (NIB) once the collection of the Regional Levy Decree (SKRD) is completed. He (the investor) has transferred Rp 1.50 billion to the regional treasury,” he said.
According to Sudiarkajaya, the project underwent a detailed assessment by the Klungkung Public Works and Spatial Planning Agency (PUPR) in collaboration with academic experts. He emphasized that the local government retains the authority to review potential environmental impacts as the construction progresses.
“It is only a matter of monitoring and evaluation (monev) by the technical UPT according to the initial promise he (the investor) in the documents and the issuance of the Certificate of Functional Fitness,” he said.
International Collaboration Behind the Design
Based on records from detikBali, the elevator project is a collaboration between a Chinese investor, PT Bina Nusa Properti (BNP), and the traditional village council of Banjar Adat Karang Dawa in Bungamekar Village, Nusa Penida. The groundbreaking ceremony took place on July 7, 2023.
The design reportedly adopts technology similar to that used in the glass elevator at Zhangjiajie National Forest Park in Hunan, China popularly known as the “Avatar Mountain.” The same foreign investor involved in the Chinese project is also responsible for the Kelingking Beach elevator.
Bali Regional Council Raises Legal Concerns
While local authorities maintain that the project is fully licensed, the Bali Regional House of Representatives (DPRD) has expressed objections. Chair of the Special Committee on Spatial Planning, Assets, and Licensing (TRAP) of the Bali DPRD, I Made Suparta, stated that the construction on the cliffside violates spatial planning regulations.
“These weeks there are already answers, next week we have a working meeting and we will evaluate everything,” said Suparta when met at the Bali DPRD office, Thursday (29/10/2025).
Suparta cited Law Number 26 of 2007 on Spatial Planning, noting that development in cliff areas is prohibited due to environmental and safety considerations. He also pointed out that the elevator site lies within a designated disaster mitigation zone.
Request for Clarification and Further Evaluation
The DPRD Bali has formally sent a letter to the Regent of Klungkung seeking clarification on the project’s approval process and legal standing. The council has also pledged to evaluate the permits that have already been issued to ensure compliance with existing spatial and environmental regulations.
At present, construction of the glass elevator continues as planned, with the Klungkung Regency asserting that all requirements have been fulfilled, while the regional council proceeds with its review of the project’s legality.
