There is a chance that the giant Ferris wheel in the heart of Canggu, which has already gone viral on social media and sparked heated debates, may never open to the public. Local residents have opposed the attraction and demanded its closure, arguing that it violates their privacy and will worsen traffic congestion in the area.
The protest was backed by DPD RI senator Niluh Djelantik, who voiced her concerns on Instagram. She urged the village government of Tibubeneng, where the attraction was built, as well as North Kuta police, to take firm action against the entrepreneur responsible for constructing the Ferris wheel.
“These kinds of businesspeople only think about profit, creating new traffic jams and invading people’s privacy,” Niluh stated on Instagram.
Meanwhile, there is almost no official information about when the Ferris wheel will open. Recently, the installation of passenger cabins was completed, but questions remain about how the project managed to bypass Bali’s seismic regulations, which strictly limit high-rise constructions on the island.
It seems that local authorities are increasingly responding to residents’ complaints. In Gianyar, for example, police have begun investigating several villas and cafés that villagers in Tulikup claim were built without proper permits. In this case, however, the issue involves local entrepreneurs who set up dining establishments without the required documentation. Police have already stepped in and are now reviewing the legality of these structures.
The leader of the village community, I Made Ardika, confirmed that many buildings in the area lack proper construction permits and are operating without village approval.
“People build first and only then start thinking about permits. We frequently inspect the area and report violations to local law enforcement, yet these buildings continue to operate. For instance, cafés, dimly lit food stalls, and villas without village recommendations keep running,” Ardika complained.
Gianyar Police Chief I Made Watha acknowledged receiving multiple reports from local communities. Officers have gathered records of non-compliant buildings, but according to standard procedures, authorities cannot immediately shut down illegal businesses—there are several legal steps before a final resolution can be reached.
Perhaps the most striking case reflecting the government’s growing intolerance toward unauthorized buildings is the closure of PARQ. The massive hotel and entertainment complex is now sealed off, and its owner, Andrey Frey, is in jail.
While most of PARQ was built legally, authorities raised concerns over a small section of the property, where villas were allegedly constructed without proper permits. Nevertheless, the entire complex has been shut down for weeks, with only residents remaining inside, uncertain about their future.
It remains unclear how this situation will be resolved, but many in the industry believe that a full-scale demolition of illegal structures is unlikely.
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