Dozens of businesses at Bingin Beach, one of Bali’s most iconic surf destinations, are being demolished this month, sparking international backlash and local outrage. Over 45 establishments including family-run warungs, homestays, surf lodges, and Western-owned cafés have been torn down by local authorities in what is being described as a controversial “clean-up” operation.

Located on the Bukit Peninsula just north of Uluwatu, Bingin has long been known for its laid-back, bohemian atmosphere and world-famous barrel wave that attracts surfers from around the globe. The area is accessible only via steep staircases winding down the cliffside, adding to its rustic charm.

According to officials, the businesses were operating without proper permits and were violating spatial planning regulations. However, local residents and global supporters argue the demolitions are part of a larger push to make way for luxury developments and beach clubs, raising concerns about displacement, cultural erasure, and gentrification.

Footage shared online shows demolition teams using sledgehammers and bulldozers cannot reach the cliff’s edge while stunned workers and owners watch their properties collapse.

Some businesses received eviction notices a month earlier, but unclear communication and the demand that owners destroy their own establishments led many to believe the orders would not be enforced. That belief was shattered when demolition began abruptly this week with some tourists reportedly inside hotels as walls began to fall.

Australian surfers, global activists, and even surfing legend Kelly Slater expressed concern over the future of Bingin. In an Instagram post, Slater wrote, “Bali has been completely mishandled and ruined by foreign interests in recent years.”

Local community groups like Save Bingin Beach and Uluwatu Community have raised questions about the motives behind the demolition. “Why are small, family-run warungs being destroyed, while luxury beach clubs remain untouched?” one post reads. Others suggest the area is being cleared for larger investors with deeper pockets, rather than for safety or legal compliance.

Former surf champion and Bingin local, Mega Semadhi, has called for collaboration with the traditional village councils and regional government to preserve the area’s natural and cultural heritage. “If development must happen, let it be done with the community not against it,” he said.

As the demolitions continue, many businesses are closing or relocating. Some tourists report booking beachfront villas only to find construction zones or demolished buildings on arrival. One traveler commented on social media: “We booked to celebrate our anniversary and arrived to find everything torn down.”

Despite the destruction, moments of resilience remain. Locals held a ceremonial prayer on the beach the day after the first wave of demolitions, with both residents and visitors gathering at sunset to reflect, grieve, and express hope.

At the time of writing, over 18,000 people have signed a petition to halt the demolition and protect Bingin’s legacy. The petition claims that many businesses were willing to comply with legal obligations but were denied permits by the local government.

As debate continues over the future of Bingin, the community is calling for transparency, legal reform, and respect for the people who shaped the area long before it became a tourism hotspot.