Authorities in Bali have initiated the demolition of over 40 businesses at Bingin Beach, a well-known tourist destination in the Uluwatu region. This decision follows a ruling by the Balinese House of Representatives in June, which declared that the coastal settlement occupies public land, making its existence illegal. The move has sparked debate, as many argue that the demolition overlooks larger issues related to overdevelopment in the region.
The Bingin Beach settlement traces its roots back to the 1970s when it began as an informal hub for surfers. Originally a modest stretch lined with small food stalls and inexpensive accommodations, the area has evolved significantly. Today, it features a blend of surf shops, restaurants, and small hotels, catering to a wider tourist market, with some accommodations priced at over US$150 per night. The settlement, while informal, has become a fixture of local culture and identity.
Despite the durability of many structures, the demolition order is based on the assertion of illegality rather than the quality of the buildings. Local traders argue that the destruction of these businesses jeopardizes their livelihoods and threatens the community’s economic stability.
Contrasting Developments in Bali
In contrast to the Bingin Beach settlement, the area above the escarpment has seen significant development since 2010, resulting in a landscape dominated by large hotel compounds and private villas. This newer development reflects a more conventional urban design, featuring manicured gardens and swimming pools. However, the growth has occurred without formal planning, leading to a chaotic street network where pedestrian safety is often compromised.
Informal settlements, such as Bingin Beach, provide affordable housing for many Indonesians and represent a historical form of indigenous living. Kim Dovey, an academic and urban planner, highlights that informal settlements often adapt to their environment and community needs. The United Nations Human Settlements Programme has suggested that wholesale demolitions seldom provide viable solutions. Instead, they advocate for upgrading existing structures and preserving community infrastructure.
Dovey emphasizes that demolishing the Bingin Beach settlement not only threatens local heritage but also paves the way for upscale developments that may not align with the community’s needs. This raises concerns about the potential for “accumulation by dispossession,” wherein local businesses are replaced by luxury resorts.
Concerns Over Development and Sustainability
One of the critical issues surrounding informal settlements is the risk of overdevelopment. Without established planning regulations, density can increase to a point that undermines the very appeal that attracted visitors in the first place. Most buildings along the Bingin escarpment rise between two to four stories, designed to harmonize with the natural slope. However, the recent construction of the Morabito Art Cliff hotel, which exceeds six stories, has obstructed views and altered the landscape, setting a troubling precedent for future developments.
Further complicating the situation is the Amali project near Impossibles Beach, which has seen the replacement of low-rise tourist compounds with larger, denser resorts. This project is controversial, particularly after excavation work led to a significant collapse of the natural cliff face, raising questions about the environmental impact and regulatory compliance of such developments.
The contrasting natures of the Bingin Beach settlement and the developments at Impossibles illustrate the need for a balanced approach to urban planning that considers both environmental sustainability and community needs. As Bali grapples with these pressing issues, the fate of Bingin Beach remains a critical focal point for discussions on development, heritage, and community resilience.
Kim Dovey, who has no financial interests in the matter, advocates for preserving the Bingin settlement as a vital part of Bali’s surfing heritage, urging a reevaluation of priorities amidst the ongoing development frenzy.
