It’s been a familiar threat over the years: Bali will halt the development of new hotels and resorts.
Too often, action has not matched the rhetoric.
This time, following the devastating floods earlier this month, which claimed the lives of at least 18 people, Bali might be ready to carry out its threat and ban the construction of hotels and restaurants over rice fields and cultivated terrain.
In the wake of the floods, the island’s governor, Wayan Koster, has confirmed that an order had been sent to all heads of districts and mayors across Bali directing them to curb new development.
“After handling the floods, we will meet again to guarantee no additional licences are issued for lodging, restaurants or other facilities on arable terrain, particularly rice fields,” Koster said.
“After this year, no productive land can be transformed into hospitality projects.”
Bali’s popularity has been shaken this year by issues of traffic gridlock, waste pollution and visitor overcrowding in parts of the island.