Balipost.com reports that the 180-meter-high glass lift on Kelingking Beach, Nusa Penida, Bali, remains partially-completed, with construction now stalled following Bali Governor Wayan Koster’s order that the structure be demolished and the hillside restored within six months, dating from his “tear-down order” issued on 23 November 2025.
Governor Koster’s demolition order was issued following meetings with the Regional People’s Representative Assembly’s (DPRD’s) Special Task Force of Zoning, Regional Assets, and Permits (TRAP) that determined the glass lift adjacent to the scenic beach lookout violates a number of established zoning and environmental regulations and defaces a seaside conservation area.
The Chief of Bali’s Provincial Enforcements Agency (Satpol PP Bali), I Dewa Nyoman Rai Dharmadi, said the Provincial Administration of Bali always prioritizes a “human approach.” Dharmadi said on Wednesday, 25 February 2025: “The first reprimand letter ordering the demolition of the glass lift fell due on 27 February 2026. On 27 February 2026, we will deliver the second warning letter ordering the demolition of the lift by PT Indonesia Kaishi Tourism Property Investment Development Group,” said Dharmadi.
Dharmadi continued clarifying that after the second warning letter is delivered, the Provincial Government of Bali, together with a team from the legal department, will plan and execute the next steps if PT Indonesia Kaishi Tourism Property fails to dismantle the lift.
“The target remains to try to demolish the lift and return the site to its original natural state. In a humane manner, we await the investor’s goodwill in voluntarily complying with the Governor’s order. If that is not done, then the Province will take the next step. We will most certainly (then) undertake the demolition of the lift,” explained Dharmadi.
As long as the six-month deadline remains in effect, Dewa Dharmadi said the Bali Provincial Enforcement Agency (Satpol PP Bali) will continue to closely supervise and coordinate with the Klungkung Regency Satpol. Dhaarmadi, who is originally from Nusa Penida, emphasized that the construction and finalization of the glass lift cannot proceed due to numerous issues with zoning, building codes, and operating permit requirements.
Moreover, there is growing concern that the lift would create a “monopoly” over Kelingking Beach panoramic views, controlled by its investor. Dharmadi bemoaned that if the glass lift is completely installed, tourists wishing to view the iconic beachfront would be compelled to pay for lift access.
Plans for the new glass lift also include a multi-level restaurant, indicating that the full plans were never adequately socialized with local residents and the general public.
Beyond any issues related to the monopolization of the Kelingking view by the project investor, concerns also exist that the lift project is environmentally detrimental, as its glass-and-concrete structure will interfere with the sustainability of the area’s fish population and violate rules prohibiting permanent structures on the otherwise pristine beachfront.
“With the construction of the lift, there is now a large concrete structure on the beachfront. In other words, the pristine original state of the beach has been disfigured and permanently changed. Who will now guarantee that the cliffside will be able to support the lift structure in the long term? Don’t focus only on the potential income from the lift’s operation; also consider how to preserve the cliff face’s original state so it can be enjoyed by future generations as an iconic destination on Nusa Penida,” said Dharmadi.
Earlier, Governor Koster complained that at least five types of violations had been discovered at the Kelinking Glass Lift Project. The violations include zoning violations related to insufficient setbacks from the cliff front and the beachside, failing to obtain the required exclusion permits in advance from the Governor or other agencies, including the Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries.
Environmental shortcomings include the project’s failure to obtain the permit required for a foreign investment company (PMA) and inadequate building permits that do not accurately reflect the actual on-site construction. The bore pile foundation also violates the rules on construction in seaside fishery zones. The project was also found lacking for a business involved in cultural activities.
Due to numerous violations of rules and regulations, the Provincial Administration and the Regency of Klungkung ordered the cessation of construction and demolition of new elements, permitting the restoration of the area to its original condition. The investors were warned that if construction activities continued, the government would demolish the project in accordance with the law.
Since the issuance of the order to cease construction and demolish the ongoing lift project, some local leaders have objected to the demolition, insisting that the lift be allowed to open and operate to create employment in the area and enhance the safety of Nusa Penida visitors.
The Governor’s six-month deadline falls due on 23 June 2026, by which time the new construction should technically be entirely removed with no trace of the desecration inflicted on the beachfront.
Clearly, time will tell if the law will actually reign supreme on Nusa Penida.
Related Links
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