The Bali Provincial Government has officially banned the development of tourism facilities on productive agricultural land, starting this year. The new regulation was signed by Governor Wayan Koster as part of the island’s 100 Year Development Plan, designed to protect Bali from overexploitation and ensure long-term sustainability.

During a plenary session with the Bali Regional People’s Representative Council on July 28, Governor Koster announced that no new permits for hotels, villas, or other tourism facilities will be issued for land currently classified as agriculturally productive. He acknowledged that the policy may face criticism but stressed the need to take immediate action to preserve Bali’s resources and identity.

To demonstrate his commitment, Koster personally visited sites already affected by the new policy. Nearly 50 tourism buildings were recently demolished at Bingin Beach for violating land use regulations. Height restrictions have also been enforced at construction projects such as Step Up Jimbaran.

“This is the first time a tourism facility has been demolished for breaching regulations and it won’t stop here,” Koster said. “The violations are clear, and I’m not afraid to act.”

The governor also confirmed that nine additional sites are being reviewed for possible enforcement, pending recommendations from the regional council. He called on council members to support the programme as part of Bali’s broader tourism clean-up effort.

Deputy Speaker I Wayan Disel Astawa expressed cautious support for the initiative but warned that demolishing standing structures should be handled carefully. Many of the affected properties were built before the new policy was implemented and remain in active operation.

“We need to manage these sites properly, not just tear them down,” he said.

The government’s long-term vision reflects growing concern over the environmental impact of unchecked development in Bali. With tourism expected to continue growing in the coming decades, local authorities are under pressure to strike a balance between economic growth and cultural preservation.