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Bali: Mounting opposition to mass tourism project

A protest movement on a scale not seen in Bali for decades contests a mega project led by developer Tirta Wahana Bali International (TWBI) that would span nearly half of Benoa Bay, a protected and sacred site in the south of the country. The group plans the reclamation of water yet classified nature reserve in 2011 to construct artificial islands dedicated to real estate and luxury hotels. More and more Balinese protest against their impotence in the face to businessmen and politicians who monopolize the island.

The construction of islets –looking similar to Dubai Palm Islands real estate development- woud damage Bali’s coastline

This one of the most criticized and fought development project in Bali. Tirta Wahana Bali International or TWBI’s 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 island’s 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 –looking similar to Dubai Palm Islands real estate development – woud damage Bali’s 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 island’s 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 “puputan” – committing mass ritual suicide – should the project go ahead. Indonesia’s 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.