Bali hotel development ban set for October

Balinese authorities have wasted no time in introducing legislation that will temporarily ban the development of new hotels, resorts and villas in some of the country’s most popular tourist spots.

Two weeks ago, a senior official in the Coordinating Ministry of Maritime and Investment Affairs told Reuters that the government has agreed to set the moratorium in response to over tourism. Whilst tourism is central to the Bali – tourism-related businesses make up 80 per cent of the economy – it has caused problems such as overcrowding and crime.

Bali to ban development of hotels in busy areas in bid to tackle overtourism

Now leaders in the country have given fresh insight into when the ban will come into effect.

Indonesian Minister for Tourism and Creative Economies, Sandiaga Uno, confirmed the temporary measure will be introduced in early October 2024.

Speaking at the Bali International Air Show, Minister Uno said, “We have submitted it, waiting for the schedule from the leadership. Hopefully, it will be done soon. The target is to implement it in early October.”

The policy will be implemented in some of the most popular areas of Bali including Canggu and Uluwatu.

Minister Uno said his two main priorities were to limit the amount of agricultural land being used for tourists and to tackle the growing issue of traffic on the island.

Ironically Minister Uno had to apologise to the crowds for being slightly late due to the traffic.

“The urgency [for this initiative] is that it seemed very crowded earlier, even when I came here. Sorry, I was a little late because it was very crowded and very congested. The load was almost at the tipping point.”

It is not clear as of yet how long the moratorium will be in place. It is set to be around for 3-5 years, however Indonesian Minister for Investment and Maritime Affairs, Luhur Binsar Pandjatan said it could be in place for longer.

“We’ll see later. It could be (valid for) five years, it could be ten years. It just depends on the evaluation.”

Feature image: iStock