Beritabali.com reports that the Provincial Government of Bali has formally imposed a moratorium on the construction of hotels, villas, restaurants, and similar enterprises on productive lands and areas designated for agriculture and the absorption of rainwater.
The moratorium is being imposed following heavy flooding across vast areas of Bali that caused tremendous property damage and claimed at least 18 lives.
Bali Governor Wayan Koster states that the moratorium represents a strategic step to halt the conversion of agriculturally productive lands to other commercial pursuits.
“Starting in 2025 and in accordance with Bali’s 100th Anniversary celebrations, there will be no further conversion of productive land for commercial purposes, such as hotels and restaurants. I have issued this instruction to the Regents and Mayors. After flood management is complete, we will meet again to ensure that no new permits violate this policy,” Governor Koster stated on Monday, 15 September 2025.
This moratorium was declared following a joint meeting with Hanif Faisol Nurofiq, Minister of Environment and Forestry (LHK), the Regent of Badung, the Mayor of Denpasar, and the Bali Provincial Leadership Communication Forum (Forkopimda) at the Kerthasabha Building, Jayasabha, Denpasar.
Environment and Forestry Minister Hanif Faisol Nurofiq highlighted the critical condition of the Ayung River Basin (DAS), which has only 1,500 hectares (3%) of total forest cover remaining out of a total area of 49,500 hectares. Ecologically, a minimum of 30 percent tree cover is projected as necessary to maintain environmental balance and prevent water runoff that can result in flooding. “The Ayung River Basin is a vital waterway that transects Denpasar, Badung, Gianyar, and Tabanan. If only 3 percent of the forest cover remains, the capacity to withstand and absorb rainfall is clearly very low,” said Hanif.
Hanif explained that although Bali has lost 459 hectares of forest in the past decade, the impact has been significant on its environmental carrying capacity. Therefore, he fully supports the moratorium. Adding: “Bali cannot act carelessly. Its spatial planning must be reviewed, as its position is already highly vulnerable to hydrometeorological disasters.”
On Monday, 15 September, a team from the Ministry of Environment and Forestry, along with provincial and district/city government authorities, began evaluating the Strategic Environmental Assessment (KLHS) for Bali’s spatial planning. Koster also emphasized that recent flooding should serve as a crucial reminder for all parties to prioritize environmental sustainability.
“Rivers are a source of life, and we must protect Bali’s ecosystem for future generations,” he said.
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