On July 21, the authorities of Badung regency began the dismantling of 48 buildings constructed without permits on the legendary Bingin Beach in the Uluwatu area. With this step, officials have opened a new chapter: the focus is now not on the conflict between business and law, but on the future of the shoreline, its ecosystem, and the role of the local community.
Officials emphasize that clearing the coastal strip should restore Bingin's natural appearance and ensure free access to the ocean. Badung Regent Wayan Adi Arnawa stated that after the cliffs are cleared, the authorities are ready to discuss a long-term concept for sustainable beach development with residents and the surfing community. Bali Governor Wayan Koster added that the new plan should protect the area from chaotic construction and maintain its appeal for surfers and tourists for decades to come.
One possible approach is to transfer the beach's management to the traditional village of Pecatu and create a joint business cooperative, where the main role will be played by local residents. This initiative was proposed by regional council member Tomy Martana Putra; he believes it will keep income within the community and prevent another wave of external investments that could repeat past mistakes.
This idea is supported by residents: Mega Semadhi, who grew up near the beach, suggests turning Bingin into a green zone with minimal commercial load, imposing height and style restrictions on new buildings, and preserving the traditional access to the water. Similar views are held by thousands who signed an online petition "Save Bingin" — they ask the government to engage in dialogue before approving the final project.
Surfers, including 11-time world champion Kelly Slater, also urge the authorities to focus on ecology: "Bingin is unique. The less concrete remains on the cliffs, the longer the waves will delight surfers," he wrote.
An Australian surfer told reporters he was at the hotel with his fiancée when the demolition began: "Without warning, they just started smashing and breaking everything." Such accounts have intensified the discussion on how to balance nature protection with respect for people whose lives and businesses are connected to the beach.
While workers manually dismantle walls and roofs, experts are assessing the slope and checking the stability of the cliff: the results of these inspections will determine what structures can appear here in the future. Then, improvements will begin — reinforcing paths, installing stairs, planting coastal vegetation capable of preventing erosion. The authorities promise to publish updates and present key decisions for public discussion.
The demolition at Bingin became part of a large-scale program to tidy up Bali's coastlines. However, the future of the beach now depends less on officials than on how actively local residents, the surfing community, and environmentalists can agree on rules that preserve the spirit of Bingin and ensure a future for one of the island's most beautiful corners.
You can add one right now!