Sanur Beach Renewal Program Continues

(8/30/2004)

90 owners of hotels, restaurants and shops along Mertasari Beach in Sanur are largely demonstrating support for efforts by the local government to improve and upgrade the popular beach front. In fact, a number of hotels and restaurants along the beachfront have already begun demolishing their buildings in anticipation of a final deadline from the local government requiring a clear right of way along the beach, unimpeded by illegal structures.

At a meeting held on Tuesday, August 24, 2004, an initial installment of compensatory funds was paid to a number of owners of illegal shops and restaurants which have voluntarily begun to demolish their buildings. A number of local businesses, employing an estimated 900 people who have operated along the beach front for 30 years, will be affected by the beach renewal program.

The program to clean up the beach front was commenced two years ago with a program of socializing the concept to local villagers whose lives would be disrupted by the mandatory removal of an estimated 90 structures.

Compensation for local business affected by the beach renewal program totals Rp. 57 million (approximately US$ 6,300) spread across 5 phased installment payments.