Following the scandal with the glass elevator, the authorities in Indonesia have seriously decided to take action on Nusa Penida. Touristic attractions on cliffs, including extreme rope jumping near Kelingking by a Russian rope jumper, will be targeted.
The Regent of Klungkung, I Made Satria, made a frank statement, admitting that the construction situation on the island is out of control (using the Indonesian term "bablas" — "gone too far", "crossed the line").
According to the official, the chaos is due to extremely weak oversight on the ground. This has allowed investors and local residents to construct facilities for years without a full set of permit documents.
Are Cliff Jumps Over?
One of the first casualties of the new policy is the bungee jumping attraction at Extreme Park Bali, located right above the abyss near Kelingking Beach. A special committee of the Bali parliament decided to close the attraction and dismantle the equipment.
The official reason for the ban is safety. The cliff area is classified as a high-risk disaster zone. Authorities emphasized that even if owners try to obtain a license, it is legally impossible. Moreover, officials who dare to issue such permits face criminal liability.
Sold the Cliffs Piece by Piece
The inspections revealed another problem: the mass sale of plots directly on the cliffs. It was discovered that in 2023, a certain landowner (referred to as 'M.') sold scenic plots near Kelingking Beach for 600 million rupiahs (about $38,000) per 100 square meters.
For pre-sale preparation, the natural landscape was barbarously altered: hills were cut down, and the surface leveled, causing the famous white cliffs to now look "mottled". Authorities stated that hotel construction on these plots will be severely restricted, despite the land already being sold.
What Lies Ahead for Nusa Penida?
The district administration announced extensive tightening of oversight:
1. Total inspections: village leaders and community heads are given the right to stop any construction at the slightest suspicion of missing documents, without waiting for orders from above.
2. Increase in police staff: currently, there are only 6 municipal police (Satpol PP) officers for the three islands (Nusa Penida, Nusa Lembongan, and Nusa Ceningan). By 2026, their staff will be increased tenfold to 60 people.
"As soon as machinery or construction plans appear — an immediate visit from the authorities for inspection," concluded Regent Satria, summarizing the new policy.
Advice to tourists and investors: in the near future, mass raids and halts in construction work are expected on Nusa Penida. Property investors are advised to thoroughly check permit documentation, especially if the property is in a "scenic" area near a cliff. If you decide to invest, consult with experts at LegalIndonesia. The company's lawyers will assess the legality of the business or property you plan to invest in.
You can add one right now!