The construction of islets ālooking similar to Dubai Palm Islands real estate development- woud damage Baliās coastline
This one of the most criticized and fought development project in Bali. Tirta Wahana Bali International or TWBIās idea of revitalisation is a $3 billion luxury resort development across four new islands, including theme park, apartments, hotels, private villas, an international hospital, gambling facilities as well as the ubiquitous shopping mall.
TWBI describes Nusa Benoa as an entirely new destination that will bring additional jobs, clear waste and cause minimal impact to the environment. Yet Benoa Bay sits in the heart of south Bali, sandwiched between the resort districts of Sanur, Kuta and Nusa Dua, where most of the islandās tourism – and wealth – is already concentrated.
The project has been heavily criticized by locals, environmentalists and academics who fear that the sea will totally disappear in that area. Today, Benoa is still one district in Bali where traditional fishing methods are still practiced. The construction of islets ālooking similar to Dubai Palm Islands real estate development – woud damage Baliās coastline.
An increasing number of critics are calling out TWBI on a range of social, environmental and cultural issues. Ketut Sarjana Putra, Indonesia director of US environmental NGO Conservation International (CI), says the new islands would cause flooding on a massive scale.
Moreover, Benoa Bay is home to more than 60 natural sites that are sacred to the islandās predominantly Hindu population, as well as 24 temples, some of them located underwater.
This has raised concerns within the islands powerful religious institutions and nearby communities, some of whom have even threatened a āpuputanā – committing mass ritual suicide – should the project go ahead. Indonesiaās Minister for Forestry & Environment, Siti Nurbaya Bakar, must now decide whether or not to approve the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) in the face of escalating opposition.
