Challenging King Harrad

(11/1/2010)

The enforcement capabilities and muscle of Denpasar's zoning enforcement officers is being put to the test by the continuing refusal of the Harrad Hotel project in Sanur to acknowledge the numerous warnings issued by the municipal government.

DenPost reports workers continue to build the new hotel despite orders from the zoning and building authorities to cease construction until such a time as a formal building permit (IMB) is in hand. Workers are seen installing building supports despite a formal cease and desist order being issued by the Denpasar government and the sealing of the construction site.

Ketut Nick Natha Wibawa, the head of the Denpasar Public Order and enforcement Agency (Tramtrib & Satpol), has promised to review the construction site. He told the press that if it was discovered that the owners are ignoring his office's orders he would conduct a raid on the project.

As reported earlier by balidiscovery.com [Denpasar Officials Seal Several Bali Businesses], the Harrad Hotel project was being constructed without a building permit and in violation of open-space coefficient requirements of 30% to allow ground water re-absorption. Question have also been raised regarding whether or not the building exceed maximum height limitations of 15 meters.

Denpasar officials have threatened to bring bulldozers to the site and level the construction if owners continue without conforming to accepted building rules and obtaining the necessary permits.

DenPost has openly suggested that the reluctance of local officials to enforce the law at Harrad Hotel may be linked to selective enforcement practices and a desire to avoid confrontation with well-connected backers of the errant project.