A sudden inspection at the popular sports complex Bali Padel Academy in Canggu puzzled Balinese officials. The elite venue, operational since 2023, was a "ghost" to urban planning services but a "model taxpayer" for the tax office.
Despite its status as an ultra-modern venue for the viral sport of recent years, Bali Padel Academy was constructed with severe violations. The facility was built on protected agricultural land (LP2B). The company lacks key documents: building permit (PBG), certification of operational worthiness (SLF), and an environmental analysis (Amdal).
Representatives of the public works department (PUPR) in Badung district stated that the violations are flagrant and actions will be taken immediately.
"This building is not in compliance with the land's intended purpose and violates spatial planning regulations as it is in an agricultural zone. We have already issued three official warnings (SP I, II, and III), but they were ignored. Now it's up to the police," stated Lasarati, representative of PUPR Badung.
While some agencies issue fines and demolition orders, the tax office (Bapenda) continues to gain budget revenue from the "illegal." It was found that Bali Padel Academy, operating as a foreign investment enterprise (PMA), has been diligently paying taxes for two years.
"This enterprise has a taxpayer identification number (NPWPD). Since 2023, they have consistently contributed about 250 million rupiah to the district's budget each month," reported I Made Dedi Sandrawan, acting secretary of Bapenda Badung.
Deputy Chairman of Commission I of DPRD Badung, I Gusti Lanang Umbara, who led the raid after numerous complaints from local residents, emphasized that the law should be the same for everyone, regardless of the amount of tax contributions.
"We came here to verify the facts. And the reality was confirmed: a business in the heart of the rice fields does not have a single basic permit. The fact of paying taxes does not legalize the violation of the construction zone," concluded the politician.
It seems the fate of Bali Padel Academy is sealed. After three warnings and a high-profile inspection by officials, the matter is now with the police. The popular recreational spot is likely to be closed despite its high revenue for the local treasury.
Sources: TribunBali
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