Villagers in Bali’s popular surfing destination, Bingin Beach, in Uluwatu, have vowed to fight on after the regional government sent in a demolition squad to raze beachside villas and ships.
In confronting scenes, the villagers wept as the demolition team, aided by police and led by Bali’s governor, Wayne Koster, smashed buildings deemed to be illegal under local planning laws.
More than 40 businesses and buildings were assessed to have been constructed without permits. The owners now say there are launching legal action in a bid to protect their properties.
“There’s been a violation of the rural planning master plan, this area is meant to be part of the green-belt,” the governor said.
Government authorities in Bali have long promised to crackdown on illegal developments on the island but have not taken the drastic action seen at Bingin Beach.
Business owners told the ABC that six Australians are business partners of some of the villas, bars and restaurants under the demolition orders in Uluwatu.
Bali’s governor said other illegal developments on the island would have their day of reckoning.
”[Our] office is preparing an audit team to investigate all tourism licences across Bali,” he told media at the demolition site. “If any violation is found, we will correct them, firm and hard.
“Of course, through the legal process first,” he quickly added.