The soft opening of the new Sira Village outlet on Serangan, which has been widely discussed across Bali’s social media for several days, could be heading toward a major scandal.
It has emerged that the project, developed by PT Bali Turtle Island Development (BTID) as part of the Kura Kura Bali Special Economic Zone, opened its doors despite an ongoing anti-corruption investigation. The Bali Regional Legislative Council (DPRD Bali) has already described the developer’s actions as a “slap in the face” to the authorities, the law and local communities.
A special committee on spatial planning, regional assets and licensing is currently conducting a wide-ranging investigation into BTID’s activities. Lawmakers say they have identified dozens of serious violations connected to the development of the tourism complex.
Committee Secretary I Dewa Nyoman Rai strongly criticized the corporation, accusing it of disregarding both national law and traditional Balinese rules.
“As a legislative body representing all the people of Bali, we feel that we have simply been ignored. What BTID is doing is completely devoid of ethics and morality. They disregarded official recommendations that carry legal force and opened the facility while the government’s investigation is still underway,” Dewa Rai said.
The lawmaker stressed that the committee’s recommendations are not merely “suggestions” but administrative and legal measures that must be followed. The Bali provincial government, its secretariat and relevant ministries are currently conducting a thorough legal review of the project, making the outlet’s unilateral opening appear to be a direct challenge to the authorities.
The controversy surrounding Sira Village is only the tip of the iceberg. Serangan Island, also known as Turtle Island, has a painful history for many Balinese. In the late 1990s, BTID launched a massive and highly controversial land reclamation project there, increasing the island’s area almost fourfold, by around 400 hectares. The project altered sea currents, damaged coral reefs and severely affected local fishing communities.
According to officials, similar concerns are emerging again today. On-site inspections have revealed discrepancies between the developer’s documents and the actual situation on the ground. The authorities’ main concerns include:
Questionable land swaps: The company’s claims regarding legally approved land exchanges could not be verified. The National Land Agency (BPN) and local village authorities reportedly found no legal basis for ownership of some of the areas concerned.
Mangrove destruction: Lawmakers are investigating the clearing of mangrove forests, which play a critical role in protecting Bali’s coastline.
Questionable land-use certificates (SHGB): The committee has identified at least 107 alleged violations related to the issuance of building rights in a protected forest park area.
Unauthorized yacht marina: The marina is allegedly being developed in violation of Presidential Regulation No. 51 of 2016 governing coastal areas.
“I want to ask the legal experts: is there any law in Indonesia that allows mangrove forests to be cleared? As far as I know, there isn’t. How could a construction permit possibly have been issued in an area where development threatens such a fragile ecosystem?” Dewa Rai said.
Bali authorities are concerned that unchecked actions by major developers could eventually trigger an open conflict with local communities. Tensions among Balinese residents are growing as reclamation and other construction work around the project continues.
“What will happen if the Balinese people finally lose patience and, in anger, begin destroying the properties of these oligarchs who disregard both state law and the island’s centuries-old traditions?” Dewa Rai warned.
Meanwhile, Sira Village continues to welcome visitors. During the first weekend after opening, police had to manage traffic at the turnoff from the main road, the motorcycle parking area struggled to cope with the number of visitors, and some food-court outlets closed shortly after sunset after running out of supplies.
The surge in traffic has also prompted authorities to introduce a new traffic arrangement on Serangan. Every day from 4 p.m. to 11 p.m., drivers on several sections of the road are redirected to designated U-turn lanes.
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