Demolition of businesses begins at popular Bali surf spot Bingin Beach, voiding bookings of Australian travellers
More than 40 businesses along the popular surf spot Bingin Beach, in the Pecatu Village in the south of Bali by Indonesian authorities began being demolished on Monday morning.
These include villas, homestays, restaurants and other tourist facilities.
The government-mandated demolitions began after negotiations between business owners and the Badung Regency Government failed.
The demolitions had been ordered as a result of an investigation by Bali's civil police unit, which found more than 40 buildings in the area had been violating spatial planning laws and building regulations.
Australian travellers who planned to stay at the destination have reportedly had their bookings voided according to News.com.au.
Head of the Badung PP Police, I Gusti Agung Ketut Suryanegara, said police had received a warrant "for the demolition of the violating building at Bingin Beach", the Bali Sun reported.
Several businesses had been issued demolition notices in the last two months, giving them time to make adjustments to adhere with building regulations.
Regent of Badung Adi Arnawa said despite widespread public outcry, the government actions would still go ahead.
'Our community in Pecatu is very aware that they carry out activities on the land. So I hope no one comes to say this and that, pretending to be a saviour, to be a hero. People are aware when building on land that does not belong to them, so it is natural for them to leave the land,' Regent Arnawa stated.
Bingin Beach has been a top spot for surfers for decades including Aussies, while American surfing champion Kelly Slater has voiced his displeasure about the future of the hotspot.
'Awful to hear and see that the beachfront at Bingin in Bali has been bought up and all the local (eateries) and other businesses will be demolished to make room for some kind of beach club and not sure what else?' he said.
'Bali has been completely mishandled and ruined by foreign interests in recent years.
'I hope something can be done to retain the culture and beauty of what attracted everyone there in the first place.'
A local business owner also voiced their concerns over the developments.
"In the past, this place was only a place for fishermen's activities. When tourists start to come, we slowly expand. Building at Bingin Beach is certainly not an easy thing. In addition to extra effort, the cost is not small," he said.
'If we are considered wrong because we occupy the country's land, then where is the country when everything has been running for over 30 years? Why is it done? Why is it that only the public is required to obey the rules? Why is the government itself negligent? We hope the government will provide a solution.'
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