Eviction notices have been formally delivered to 45 businesses perched along the scenic Bingin cliff, signaling the start of demolition set for Monday, July 21. This decision has sparked significant backlash from the local community and business owners, who have been operating in the area for generations.
About a month ago, businesses received initial letters with an unusual demand: to demolish their own establishments immediately. This peculiar request initially gave the community a glimmer of hope, suggesting that the government might lack the legal authority to enforce such drastic measures. However, recent developments have quashed these hopes as the Badung Regency Government has moved forward with the demolition plans.
Legal Challenges and Community Resistance
The businesses in question are accused of violating spatial planning laws and building regulations. According to officials, the land on which these businesses operate belongs to the state, despite families having occupied and developed the area for decades. The government’s sudden interest in enforcing these regulations has raised suspicions among locals.
Piter Panjaitan, a local legal expert, previously explained,
“This has to go through administrative court. It can’t be just any court. Demolition orders require that procedure. Revoking business permits, rejecting land rights applications — all must pass through that court. So far, none of it has.”
However, it appears that the government has found a way to bypass these legal hurdles, much to the dismay of the community.
Historical Context and Potential Implications
The situation in Bingin is not unique. Many areas in Bali, including large portions of the Bukit Peninsula, have developed in a similar informal and legally ambiguous manner. The fear among locals is that Bingin is just the beginning, with rumors suggesting that nearby Balangan could be next.
Unconfirmed reports indicate that the eviction notices coincided with the arrival of a major investor offering substantial financial incentives to the government. This has fueled speculation that the land will be cleared to make way for a luxury resort, potentially privatizing the beach and restricting access to locals.
As Piter Panjaitan noted,
“A lot of people speculate that they want to privatize the beach. They’ll have their luxury complex, then they’ll advertise the private beach, and the people who stay there will get all of that. But they’re gonna have a problem on a daily basis if they think they can do that.”
Community’s Last Stand
With demolition imminent, local businesses are making a last-ditch effort to save their livelihoods. The list of affected businesses includes both newer, Western-backed hotels and long-standing establishments like Didi’s Place and Made’s Warung/Ombak Warung, which have been part of the community since its early days.
The community has rallied together, launching petitions and organizing protests in a bid to halt the demolition. Despite these efforts, the government remains steadfast in its decision, leaving many to wonder about the future of Bingin and its residents.
Looking Ahead
The demolition of businesses on Bingin cliff represents a significant shift in the region’s landscape and raises questions about the balance between development and preserving local culture and livelihoods. As the situation unfolds, the eyes of the community and beyond are fixed on the actions of the government and the potential ripple effects across Bali.
For now, the community continues to fight for their homes and businesses, hoping that their voices will be heard before it’s too late.
