Hotel Bulldozers Collapse Bali Cliff, Destroys Beach - Drone Shots and Explanation of Event

On Friday, May 16th, a landslide at the Amali Luxury Residence construction site, a project by the Mirah Development Group, caused the iconic limestone cliff at Pemutih Pecatu Beach to crumble onto the Bukit Peninsula's beach and shoreline. This incident has sparked significant concern among local communities and environmentalists.

While initial investigations indicated no licensing violations, Bali's political leaders are now questioning whether negligence played a role in the landslide that destroyed the ancient cliff face. The event has fueled outrage among locals and Bali enthusiasts, highlighting the ongoing debate over the island's rapid and often haphazard tourism development.

In response to the cliff collapse, Mirah Development Group promised to restore Pemutih Pecatu Beach to its original state within 28 days once appropriate methods are identified. Despite their commitment, political leaders in Badung Regency are demanding more accountability and clarity.

Although construction has been temporarily halted, with all necessary licenses and permits technically in order, there is little to prevent the project from resuming. This has led to increased scrutiny and calls for a thorough review of the development's regulatory compliance.

Local politician I Nyoman Parta has expressed further concerns, questioning the disposal of the collapsed limestone into the ocean. Parta has urged the Bali Provincial Government and the Badung Regency Government to urgently review the project’s permits and licenses.

Parta is particularly concerned that Pemutih Pecatu Beach could become privatized, accessible only to residents of the Amali Luxury Residences. He stresses the need for coordinated government action to ensure public access and prevent the privatization of natural landscapes.

The complex licensing process, involving multiple government levels, has highlighted a lack of communication and coordination. Many leaders believe this is contributing to the uncontrolled tourism boom threatening Bali's environment.

Parta also noted that the demolished cliff was within a buffer zone that should have been protected. He called on developers to act more responsibly and for better regulatory oversight to safeguard Bali's natural environment.

Although the initial investigation by Satpol PP, the civil service, found no licensing issues, a second investigation is ongoing. The Bali Province One Stop Integrated Licensing Services and Investment Service (PMPTSP) is examining the permits for cliff dredging at Pemutih Pecatu Beach, focusing on compliance with the Online Single Submission (OSS) system.

I Wayan Sumarajaya, Head of the Bali Province PMPTSP Service, explained that basic business licensing requirements include space utilization suitability, environmental approval, and building approval. These standards are currently under review in light of the recent incident.

Regent of Badung, I Nyoman Giri Prasta, confirmed that the land has an SHM (Certificate of Ownership Rights) and acknowledged that negligence during construction led to the limestone collapse. He reiterated that the OSS permits were valid and designated the site for tourism accommodation.

Regardless of the investigation's findings, the landslide has intensified public debate on Bali’s unchecked tourism development. This incident underscores the need for more sustainable practices and stricter regulatory oversight.

Professor of Tourism at Udayana University, Dr. I Putu Anom, M.Par, emphasized the negative impact of hotel and villa construction on Bali’s environment. He called for stricter spatial planning regulations and better control over land use to protect the island’s natural landscapes.