The Bali government is seeking the approval of the central government in Jakarta to temporarily halt the construction of new hotels and villas in its southern region, in a move to curb overdevelopment ills.
The planned moratorium on such developments will target the Sarbagita region, encompassing Denpasar, Badung, Gianyar, and Tabanan, the island’s acting governor Sang Made Mahendra Jaya told local media.
However, Sang Made did not specify how long the suspension will be for.
The local press said tourism and creative economy minister Sandiaga Uno has acknowledged the proposal, which would be reviewed by both his ministry and president Joko Widodo.
Sandiaga emphasised that the moratorium has the support of academics and tourism stakeholders, and indicated that the central government might solely manage future building permits in Bali while local authorities play a consultative role.
