Latest news with #illegalstructures
Yahoo
26-07-2025
- Yahoo
Sad theories emerge as popular Aussie travel destination destroyed: 'Put people off'
A beloved beach community in Bali has been left destroyed after authorities sensationally came in with hammers and began knocking down several popular villas and drinking holes. The painful scene unfolded in video footage as business owners, employees, locals and tourists cried out when crews began smashing the over 40 "illegal" structures to rubble, decimating the local economy. The picturesque cliffside region, known for its impressive surf break, is meant to be part of a green belt, but over the years, buildings and resorts like Morabito Art Cliff have popped up as Bali attempts to keep up with immense tourism demand. But as 2025 is expected to reach a record number of international tourists, many have been left asking why authorities would, in the height of its peak tourism season, decide to take such drastic action and what impact it may have in years to come. Managing Director at Australian Traveller Media, Quentin Long, described the actions taken by police and local authorities as "performative". While unsactioned developments are common in Bali, he believes "in this instance it looks like the authorities want to make a point." Despite the widespread shock at the action taken, Long believes "we shouldn't be surprised." "It's local politics, you never know in Indonesia. It's not our country and they operate in a different way." 🐕 Aussie travellers warned to be vigilant as deadly disease causes alarm in Bali 🏝️ New Bali visa rule to 'hold people accountable' ✈️ Aussie travellers urged to avoid $15 mistake on popular holiday island What's going to happen to Uluwatu's Bingin Beach? Authorities have since stated that the move was designed to "disable" the business premises before large-scale demolition could occur. "By disabling vital facilities, this will certainly impact operations. Only then can everything be levelled," Chief of the Badung Satpol PP, Gusti Agung Ketut Suryanegara, told reporters. It's understood that demolition work is intended to be completed within a month, and only after this process is complete will be community be invited to discuss the future of the land. Many are questioning if the demolition of Bingin Beach will leave the area in disrepair or make way for something else. While Long believes surfers will always come to the area regardless of what the cliff face looks like, it "would impact what people do once they've had a surf", meaning there could be widespread implications for the region. "It depends on what happens next, he said. "If it is left in that state of disrepair, it'll put people off," he said. Long speculated that redevelopment will "probably" take place in the prime tourist location. "Will they put a beach club there? Evidence suggests they will," he said. "History says that development will happen and you'll have a new tourism experience that replaces the old one and lifts the amount of money it takes to get there," he said. Long said he suspects that in a year or six months, there'll be an announcement that will give clarity to the situation. "There are so many possible explanations for why now and why they are doing it in that particular way." Bali officials hand out 'self-demolition' orders Bali is expected to see more than 6.3 million visitors in 2025, with Uluwatu being one of the prime tourist spots thanks to its pristine beaches and clifftop views. Both foreign-backed and Indonesian-owned businesses have been cashing in, building resorts, villas, cafes and restaurants to keep up with the demand. Local media reported in the past few months many of the constructions on Bingin Beach were done so illegally, with officials using "self-demolition" orders. When businesses refused to demolish their own business, Balinese officials burst in on Monday and began using hand tools to destroy the businesses. "The buildings for tourism businesses here are illegal — that's it," Bali's governor, I Wayan Koster. "We should not let this practice continue. If we let this go on, Bali will be damaged." Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@ You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter and YouTube.
Free Malaysia Today
15-07-2025
- Free Malaysia Today
Cops nab man for brandishing parang at DBKL officers
Screenshots of a video in which the man can be seen brandishing a parang and shouting at DBKL officers. PETALING JAYA : A 43-year-old man has been arrested after a parang was brandished at Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) officials during an operation to demolish illegal structures in Desa Pandan this morning. The man is said to have confronted the DBKL enforcement officers at about 11.17am during the operation which also involved the police, Tenaga Nasional and Air Selangor. Wangsa Maju police chief Lazim Ismail said the man shouted profanities at the officers before being calmed down by members of the public. An investigation paper has been opened into the use of criminal force to obstruct public servants in their duties. Lazim urged the public not to spread misinformation on social media that could cause public alarm.
South China Morning Post
14-06-2025
- South China Morning Post
Should Hong Kong hit Redhill Peninsula homeowners with heavier fines for illegal works?
Hong Kong authorities should appeal against the 'light' penalties imposed on two property owners for erecting illegal structures at their luxury Redhill Peninsula homes, experts have said, warning that the fines are not hefty enough to deter offenders. The specialists weighed in after the two property owners were told to pay more than HK$110,000 (US$14,015) in total after admitting to carrying out unauthorised building works. Their convictions are the first among 30 prosecutions made against landlords of the estate in Tai Tam where rampant illegal structures were found. According to the Buildings Department, the two owners pleaded guilty to carrying out unauthorised building works at Eastern Court on Thursday, with one fined HK$30,000 and the other HK$82,980. Lawmaker Andrew Lam Siu-lo said the sentence, from the view of the public, failed to serve any deterrent effect given the widespread nature of unauthorised works at the estate, although no details had been released about the structures found at the two homes. 'This is not a good message sent to the public regarding the government's crackdown on illegal structures,' he said. 'It shows that no matter how severe the maximum penalty can be, in the end the sentence will be light.'
