Bali, Indonesia Sentinel — The provincial government of Bali is set to draft a regional regulation (Perda) prohibiting hotels, villas, and tourist destinations from privatizing beaches and restricting public access. This move comes in response to the increasing privatization of beach in Bali by private businesses, limiting local residents’ access to the shoreline and nearby waters.
Bali Governor I Wayan Koster announced this initiative during a plenary session of the Bali Regional House of Representatives (DPRD) in Denpasar on Tuesday, March 4, 2025. “Many hotels and villas near the beach act as if they own the shoreline, preventing the public from using these spaces,” Koster said, as reported by Liputan6.
Beaches are designated as public spaces, yet numerous businesses have imposed restrictions, prioritizing guest comfort over public access. “We will establish regulations to protect public access and ensure that locals are not disturbed or face obstacles when conducting traditional ceremonies, social activities, or economic pursuits,” Koster added.
Bali Beach Privatization Concerns
The governor highlighted the case of Serangan waters in South Denpasar, where floating barriers have been installed, disrupting local fishermen’s activities.
“Private Business can own land, but they cannot claim ownership of the beach. No one should control the shoreline beyond their legal rights,” Koster asserted.
He further revealed plans to introduce 15 new policies that could be formalized into regional regulations (Perda) and governor regulations (Pergub), one of which is aimed at protecting coastal areas for traditional, social, and economic purposes.
Koster also stressed that unilateral beach control by investors poses a threat to Bali’s future. The proposed regulation would impose binding obligations on investors, including penalties for violations.
“The protection of beaches and coastal areas is necessary because public access is becoming increasingly restricted. Hotels and villas around these areas act as if they own the beaches,” he emphasized.
Tourism Office’s Actions
Bali Tourism Agency Head Tjok Bagus Pemayun confirmed that public complaints regarding beach access have been received in recent years, particularly in areas such as Nusa Dua, Kuta, and Sanur.
He emphasized that all complaints had been addressed by issuing warnings to the respective hotels.
“There have been a few cases in the past where public access was restricted, such as in Nusa Dua and Kuta. These issues have been resolved, and we have reinforced the message that beaches belong to the people of Bali,” he said.
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Response from PHRI
Chairman of the Bali branch of the Indonesian Hotel and Restaurant Association (PHRI), Tjokorda Oka Artha Ardhana Sukawati, also known as Cok Ace, stated that the association would remind all members that beaches must remain accessible to the public.
“Beaches are public facilities, and the law does not permit hotels and villas to claim them as private property. We will ensure our members comply and allow free access,” he said at the Bali DPRD building on Wednesday, March 5, as reported by Kumparan.
Cok Ace acknowledged receiving reports of public access restrictions imposed by some businesses but declined to disclose specific locations or timeframes.
“There have been some complaints, and hopefully, these issues will be resolved. Governor Koster has taken a firm stance, and we must comply,” he stated.
(Raidi/Agung)
