Demolition begins at iconic Bali surf spot Bingin Beach: ‘Ruined'

News.com.au

5 days ago

One of Bali's most iconic surf destinations will be changed and transformed forever as Indonesian authorities begin demolishing more than 40 businesses along the famous Bingin Beach.
Footage emerging from the cliffside tourist hotspot on Monday morning shows authorities destroying bars with hammers and breaking through locked doors.
Earlier footage shows local authorities plastering eviction and demolition notices on buildings in a move that has left Australian travellers scrambling and the global surf community in uproar.
Government-mandated demolitions were set to begin today at the beloved beach location, following months of failed negotiations between business owners and the Badung Regency Government.
News.com.au is aware of Australian travellers whose bookings at the popular destination have been voided as the demolition begins.
The drastic action follows an investigation by Bali's civil police unit, the Satpol PP, which found that more than 40 buildings in the Bingin Beach area, some of which have been there for decades, were violating spatial planning laws and building regulations.
After weeks of back-and-forth negotiations with desperate business owners attempting to halt the demolition orders, authorities have drawn a line in the sand.
'It is true that we have received a warrant for the demolition of the violating building at Bingin Beach,' Head of the Badung PP Police, I Gusti Agung Ketut Suryanegara, told reporters, as per the Bali Sun.
'We immediately sent a notification letter to the owners of the building in question, stating that the demolition will begin on July 21, 2025, and continue until it is completed.'
Uluwatu's Bingin Beach has been a pilgrimage site for surfers since the late 1970s, with Australians making up a significant chunk of repeat visitors, and even expats.
The beach's world-class barrelling lefts and laid-back atmosphere have made it a go-to within the global surf community, with the breaks Impossibles and Bingin.
The demolition notices, issued via letter, posters, and WhatsApp messages, affect 45 buildings, including villas, homestays, restaurants, and other tourist facilities.
The violations included breaches of spatial planning rules, environmental laws, and alleged encroachment on state land.
'We did this notification in various ways, in order to minimise the reason for ignorance during the execution process,' Head of Investigation Ida Bagus Ratu told local media.
Regent of Badung Adi Arnawa said authorities will follow through on the mandate by the Bali Provincial Government despite widespread public outcry.
'Our community in Pecatu is very aware that they carry out activities on the land. So I hope no one comes to say this and that, pretending to be a saviour, to be a hero. People are aware when building on land that does not belong to them, so it is natural for them to leave the land,' Regent Arnawa stated, as per the Bali Sun.
Widespread speculation suggests the removals may be linked to plans for luxury beach club development, similar to those proliferating throughout the Uluwatu area in recent years, though this is denied by authorities.
Eleven-time world surfing champion Kelly Slater is among those voicing concern on social media.
'Awful to hear and see that the beachfront at Bingin in Bali has been bought up and all the local (eateries) and other businesses will be demolished to make room for some kind of beach club and not sure what else?' he said.
'Bali has been completely mishandled and ruined by foreign interests in recent years.
'I hope something can be done to retain the culture and beauty of what attracted everyone there in the first place.'
Popular citizen journalist social media account among expats, Uluwatu Community, has been leading a campaign against the demolition, declaring: 'Rumors are spreading: is this really about law enforcement or about clearing prime land for bigger investors with deeper pockets?'
'It seems the idea of an 'undeveloped' cliff no longer fits into certain visions for the future.'
Among the businesses facing demolition is Kelly's Warung, a beloved eatery perched in front of the famous Bingin surf break. The family-owned establishment, which has operated for 'generations', remains optimistic they will 'be here for generations more.'
'We have been here for generations, same family owned, passed down,' the warung stated.
Uluwatu Community added, 'Bingin residents and business owners have hired four lawyers.'
'A legal battle may be just getting started.'