Denpasar – Bali Governor Wayan Koster has announced a moratorium on the conversion of productive land for commercial facilities such as hotels and restaurants, a strategic move following the devastating floods that claimed 17 lives on the island.
The policy was decided after a joint meeting with Minister of Environment and Forestry (LHK) Hanif Faisol Nurofiq, the Regent of Badung, the Mayor of Denpasar, and the Bali Regional Leadership Communication Forum (Forkopimda) at the Kerthasabha Building, Jayasabha, Denpasar, on Saturday (Sept 14).
“Starting this year, in line with the Bali 100-Year Development Plan, from 2025 onwards no productive land may be converted for commercial purposes such as hotels and restaurants. I have instructed all regents and mayors to comply. Once post-flood recovery is completed, we will reconvene to ensure no new permits violate this policy,” Governor Koster firmly stated.
Environmental Damage Identified as Trigger; Minister Backs Bali Policy
Minister Hanif Faisol Nurofiq highlighted the alarming condition of the Ayung River watershed (DAS), which has only 1,500 hectares of forest cover left from a total of 49,500 hectares — merely 3%. Ecologically, at least 30% tree cover is required to maintain environmental balance.
“The Ayung River is critical because it supports Denpasar, Badung, Gianyar, and Tabanan downstream. With only 3% forest cover left, its capacity to withstand extreme rainfall is severely reduced,” Hanif explained.
He added that from 2015 to 2024, Bali lost 459 hectares of forest due to land conversion. While relatively small compared to other provinces, the impact on Bali is significant and directly affects environmental resilience.
Minister Hanif expressed full support for Koster’s moratorium, emphasizing Bali’s global importance.
“Bali must not be treated carelessly. Its spatial planning needs to be revisited, as the island is already highly vulnerable to hydrometeorological disasters,” he said.
The minister confirmed that on Monday (Sept 15), his ministry’s team will work with provincial and local governments to review Bali’s Strategic Environmental Assessment (KLHS) of its spatial plan.
Recovery and Reforestation Efforts
Governor Koster stressed the importance of taking the floods as a wake-up call for all parties to protect Bali’s ecosystem.
“Rivers are the source of life, and Bali’s environment must be safeguarded for future generations,” he said.
The provincial and local governments will launch reforestation, revegetation, and a comprehensive evaluation of land use through the KLHS process.
Meanwhile, disaster waste — which has reached 210 tons — will be transported to the Suwung landfill. President Prabowo has also ordered the acceleration of the waste-to-energy (WTE) facility, though completion will take an estimated 1.5 to 2 years.
Bali Remains Safe; Tourism Unaffected
Despite the flooding, Governor Koster assured that Bali remains safe and conducive for visitors. Tourism activities continue as normal with no cancellations from international travelers. Latest data shows daily foreign tourist arrivals remain stable at around 21,000–22,000.
For community economic recovery, traditional markets such as Pasar Badung and Pasar Kumbasari are being cleaned to allow vendors to resume activities. Compensation for damaged stalls will be covered by the provincial and Denpasar city budgets, while housing repairs will be handled by the National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB).
“With support from both central and regional governments, we will complete post-flood recovery within this week. Bali is safe, and all community and tourism activities have returned to normal,” Koster concluded.***
