DENPASAR, Nov 3 — Authorities in Bali have ordered a halt to construction of a controversial glass elevator at Kelingking Beach, one of the island’s most popular tourist sites, after widespread criticism over environmental damage, safety issues and alleged permit breaches.
According to a report by Singapore’s CNA, the 182-metre-high structure, built along the cliffs of the beach known for its distinctive dinosaur-shaped headland, was meant to help visitors avoid the steep trek down narrow stairs.
However, the Bali Regional House of Representatives’ Special Committee on Spatial Planning, Assets and Licensing (TRAP) found that the project violated national land-use and coastal zoning laws, saying it was located within a disaster-mitigation area where major construction is banned.
Committee chair I Made Supartha reportedly said the design clashed with Balinese architectural traditions and risked spoiling the natural beauty that draws tourists to the site.
The 200 billion rupiah (RM59 million) project, backed by Chinese investors and Indonesian developer PT Bangun Nusa Properti, began in July 2023 and was reportedly 70 per cent complete before being suspended.
Bali’s Civil Service Police (Satpol PP) later sealed off the site, saying the developer only had approval for limited use of the cliff area and had breached coastal setback regulations.
According to the report, ocal residents and visitors remain divided, with some praising the project for improving safety and accessibility, while others say it would ruin the rugged appeal that makes Kelingking Beach unique.
