The long-standing controversy surrounding the proposed construction of a floating Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) Depot on Serangan Island Beach, Sidarkarya, South Denpasar, has resurfaced with hard lines being drawn between government and commercial interests determined to build the depot, and local community voices concerned that the project poses serious environmental, cultural, and security threats.
As reported by radarbali.jawapos.com, many elements of Balinese society fear that the LNG Depot situated within the Denpasar metropolitan area and under the landing/takeoff pattern of Bali’s Ngurah Rai Airport threatens the sustainability of Bali’s tourism industry. In their opposition, protesters are pointing to the ongoing high-profile controversy surrounding the nickel mining in Raja Ampat, eastern Indonesia, where the government eventually withdrew the permits for the mining project.
Recently, the Indonesian Cyber Media Association (SMSI) in Denpasar hosted a talk-show format seminar with the title “Measuring the Impact of an LNG Depot on Denpasar City Tourism.” Held at the STB Tunata Campus in Denpasar, the seminar was attended by a distinguished Professor of Tourism, Prof. Dr. Drs. I Nyoman Sunarta; tourism industry leaders I Made Astawa and Ngurah Paramartha; and tourism/community leader Yosep Yulius Diaz.
The seminar speakers agreed that the plans for the construction of the Sidakarya LNG Depot need to be reviewed and carefully reconsidered. The proposed “floating” depot is planned to be situated some 500 meters from the shoreline of Serangan Island.
Cultural Impact
Meanwhile, Ngurah Paramartha expressed concern that the proposed depot will be erected close to a sacred Balinese Temple – Pura Sakenan – an important religious site built in the 11th Century. Paramartha contends that commercial or industrial developments are not allowed in proximity to religious temples.
Environmental Impact
“There appears to be no solution to the nearby garbage dump, a dock exists at Serangan island, and reclamation is underway… and now a LNG depot? The question is, why does all this development have to be there?” lamented Ngurah Paramartha.
Concerns about the environment of Serangan Island and the potential negative impact of the LNG Depot remain high. Wayan Patuh, an environmental activist from Serangan Village, firmly rejects the project. He envisions the presence of a large ship measuring 300 meters long and 4 decks high. Adding: “The construction of the LNG Sidakarya Depot will result in environmental damage to the surrounding mangroves and coral reefs. Especially if the area is dredged, the sea and its contents will be damaged and destroyed,” Paramartha said.
Yusdi Diaz, a local community leader and tourism actor, added his concerns about the Island as a turtle habitat, which naturally and habitually return to lay eggs in the same location. “How can the turtles return to lay eggs. Because the turtles always return to the same place. Where do people want to take Bali? Do we maintain its heritage or are we only interested in short-term business profits?” he asked.
The Sad Fate of Sustainable Tourism
A respected academic in the field of tourism, Professor Nyoman Sunarta, spoke at the seminar and emphasized the importance of developing quality tourism destinations that align with Bali’s carrying capacity and are based on the Tri Hita Karana philosophy. He emphasized that Bali must become a “living laboratory” for sustainable development.
Tri Hita Kirana is the Balinese philosophical belief that in all undertakings, balance must be maintained in three areas of existence: Between man and God, between man and nature, and among the members of human society.
“The way to do this is to develop Bali according to its carrying capacity and resources and energy supplies,” said Prof. Sunarta. He said a comprehensive understanding of Bali’s energy needs of resource supplies must be considered if the Island is not to sacrifice sustainability.
A Genuine Security Consideration
Foreign governments and public security experts are becoming concerned about the threat to public safety posed by methane leaks and spills from LNG facilities and the even graver danger posed to Bali in the event of a terrorist attack on an LNG depot, such as the facility planned at Serangan Island.
Simple leaks on pipelines carrying LNG could cause severe burns within a radius of ⅓ to 1-¼ miles after an exposure of only 30 seconds. This calculation is now being used internationally in assessing proposals for new LNG import terminals.
There is also a worrying threat of the impact of a cascading failure if anything up to three LNG tanks on a five-tank ship started to leak, catch fire, thereby increasing the duration and severity of a fire at the LNG depot. Experts generally agree regarding the possible severity of the heat hazard resulting from a small to medium-sized LNG Spill.
As regards the proposed LNG depot near Bali’s Serangan Island, there is a genuine concern that the facility, residing under the approach and departure path of Bali’s Ngurah Rai International Airport, may heighten the risk of a terrorist attack. Serangan Island is only 4 kilometers from the landing threshold of runway number 27. Serangan Island is also only one kilometer away from a large Pertamina fuel depot.
Whether by accident or terrorist suicidal design, a direct hit of an aircraft on an LNG tanker could cause a cataclysmic explosion, putting thousands of lives at mortal risk in South Denpasar, Sanur, Kuta, Jimbaran, and Nusa Dua. Such an attack could cause incalculable damage to Bali’s tourism economy, infrastructure, and effectively close the Island’s main seaport and airport for an indefinite period.
Because an LNG depot represents a “hot” terrorism target, such facilities are now widely considered unsuitable for placement in densely populated areas or close proximity to key components of infrastructure.
From 1970 to 2018, there were 640 instances in which terrorists targeted oil and petroleum tankers, gas facilities, and ports. The number of such terrorist attacks has recently increased dramatically, with 78% of the 640 terror attacks on gas and fuel centers occurring since 2008.
Such depots are now also being targeted by drone attacks.
Related Links
Luhut Wants Bali LNG Depot Built Offshore
Bali LNG Depot: Greens Told to MYOB!
Koster Supports LNG Terminal in South Bali
WALHI: LNG Documents are Public Information
WHALI Seeks Access to LNG Public Records
Editorial: LNG Terminal in South Bali
Stay Informed on Bali Tourism-Related News: Subscribe to Bali Update