By Max Walden, ABC
A drone shot captures the construction site at Kelingking Beach. Photo: ABC / Tim Swanston
Officials have demanded the demolition of a controversial glass elevator at one of Bali's most picturesque beaches, citing planning violations.
For the past 18 months, construction of a 182-metre elevator had been taking place on the steep cliffs surrounding Kelingking Beach on Nusa Penida - an island off the coast of Bali.
The developer, PT Indonesia Kaishi Tourism Property Investment Development Group, had sought to save visitors the challenging climb down a perilous dirt path to Kelingking Beach's white sands by building a lift.
On Sunday, Bali Governor Wayan Koster told a press conference that he had ordered the company to demolish the structure within six months.
The provincial government found the project had violated Bali's strict planning regulations, which are aimed at preserving the Hindu-majority Indonesian island's culture and natural resources.
Tourists told the ABC the elevator was stripping the beach of its beauty. Photo: ABC / Tim Swanston
"If everything becomes like that, made easy, then eventually even climbing Mount Agung will require lifts," Koster said, as quoted by state news agency Antara, referring to an active volcano that is Bali's tallest peak.
"The original Balinese character will be lost," he added.
Earlier this month, the head of Bali's provincial spatial planning committee, I Made Supartha, told the ABC that the company had improperly sought approval from the local Klungkung Regency, rather than the district.
Kelingking Beach in 2019, prior to construction of the controversial glass lift. Photo: ABC / Max Walden
AA Ngurah Adi Ardhana, a former Balinese MP who had criticised the development when in office, told the ABC he was happy with the government's decision.
"I express my appreciation for the governor of Bali's decisiveness in addressing potential violations of permit abuse, land grabbing, and investment propriety," he said.
Ardhana argued similar measures should be taken throughout Bali to "restore Balinese tourism to its original, sustainable essence", while still allowing for investment and growth in the sector.
Visitors to Nusa Penida have previously told the ABC they felt dismayed by the construction of the elevator at Kelingking Beach.
One Indian tourist, Arun, said it was "ruining this photographic spot … and creating a huge impact".
More than 5.3 million people have visited Bali so far this year, the Bali Hotels Association reported in September, almost a quarter of them Australians.
The popularity of Bali meant Indonesia was once again the top overseas destination for Australians in the 2024-25 financial year.
Trips to Indonesia accounted for 14.2 per cent of all overseas trips by Australian tourists, according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics.
- ABC
