Bali Shuts Down Controversial Nusa Penida Elevator Project Over Violations

Bali’s Governor Wayan Koster has officially ordered the shutdown of the controversial 182-meter glass elevator project at Kelingking Beach, Nusa Penida.

This decisive action follows the discovery of multiple violations involving spatial planning, environmental regulations, permitting procedures, and cultural tourism standards.

The announcement, delivered on November 23, 2025, came after a thorough review by the provincial government and the Bali Legislative Council’s Spatial Planning and Licensing Committee.

In this article, we break down the full story to help you understand what’s really happening behind the scenes.

Bali Government Finally Stops Glass Elevator Construction in Nusa Penida

Bali Governor Wayan Koster has taken a firm stance on the glass lift project at Kelingking Beach, Nusa Penida, Klungkung Regency, which has recently become controversial.

After conducting a review and finding serious violations, Governor Koster ordered the immediate suspension and demolition of the glass lift that is currently under construction.

He delivered this firm decision during a press conference at the Jayasabha Building on Sunday (23/11/2025). Governor Koster emphasized that Bali’s development must uphold environmental sustainability, cultural integrity, community welfare, and regulations aligned with Bali’s culture-based tourism model.

“I have decided to take firm measures by instructing PT Indonesia Kaishi Tourism Property Investment Development Group to halt all construction activities,” he stated.

The developer also faces potential criminal sanctions for violating Bali Provincial Regulation No. 5 of 2020 on Cultural Tourism Standards, as the project was deemed to have altered the authenticity of the tourism area.

Read More: New Bali Construction Ban Explained (And Why It’s Not All Bad)

Short Breakdown of the Nusa Penida Glass Elevator Project

The idea behind building a lift at Kelingking Beach was simple: make it easier for tourists to reach the famously steep beach. The project was promoted as a way to boost tourism by offering a safer and more convenient alternative to the extremely steep stairs.

• How It Started (2023): The project began when PT Indonesia Kaishi Tourism Property Investment Development Group partnered with PT Bangun Nusa Property (BNP) and the local traditional village to develop modern tourism facilities at Kelingking Beach. Residents say multiple socialization meetings were held before community approval was granted.

• July 2023 – Groundbreaking: Construction was launched with plans for a 182-meter-tall, 64-meter-long glass lift—promoted as an eco-friendly “glass viewing platform” and the first of its kind globally.

• Permits & Construction Progress: All permits were processed through the national OSS system, including environmental approvals, leaving the Klungkung Regency with limited authority to reject the project. Construction continued and reportedly reached 70% completion.

• October 2025 – Project Goes Viral: As the lift neared completion, the project sparked widespread online criticism, with concerns that the structure could damage the iconic natural landscape of Kelingking Beach.

• Regent Satria Responds: Klungkung Regent, I Made Satria, stated the project did not begin under his administration, noting that community consultations had been conducted earlier. He also confirmed receiving instructions from the Governor of Bali to reassess the project.

Read More: Is Bali Still Safe for Tourists After Indonesian Protests?

The Major Violations Identified

Governor Koster revealed 10 violations committed by PT Indonesia Kaishi Tourism Property Investment Development Group as the project developer.

“There are five major categories of violations, and within those categories, a total of 10 specific violations,” he stated. Here is the full breakdown:

1. Spatial Planning Violations

• Building in a cliff setback zone: The glass lift (846 m², ±180 m high) and supporting tourism structures were built in a protected cliff setback area without the required Governor’s Recommendation.
• Foundations built in coastal areas without permits: Bore pile foundations for the bridge and glass lift were constructed on coastal land without the Governor’s Recommendation or the mandatory KKPRL (Marine Spatial Utilization Permit) from the Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries.
• No stability study for cliff development: The project lacked the required Governor-endorsed cliff stability assessment.
• Invalid KKPR (spatial use permit) issuance: No validation was done for the company’s automatically issued KKPR under OSS prior to the enforcement of Government Regulation No. 28/2025.
• Building in coastal waters without KKPRL: Most of the glass lift structure sits in coastal marine zones without any KKPRL permit.

2. Environmental Violations

• No environmental permit: The operator did not have the required environmental permit for PMA (foreign investment entity) activities, which should be issued by the central government.
• Only had UKL-UPL recommendation: They relied solely on an environmental management/monitoring recommendation issued by the Klungkung Regency government, which is insufficient.

3. Business Licensing Violations

• KKPR not aligned with spatial planning: The Spatial Utilization Permit did not match the designated land-use plan.
• PBG limited to ticket booth only: The Building Approval (PBG) was only issued for a 563.91 m² ticketing building, not for the 42 m skybridge or the glass lift (846 m², ±180 m height).

4. Marine Spatial Violations

• Building in a marine conservation area: Concrete bore pile foundations were built inside the Nusa Penida Marine Protected Area, specifically in a sustainable fishing zone where tourism structures are prohibited.

5. Cultural Tourism Violations

• Altering the authenticity of the tourism area: The project changed the original character of the tourism destination, violating cultural tourism standards under Bali Provincial Regulation No. 5/2020.

Read More: New Regulations Are Changing How You Buy Property in Bali

Authorities Order Full Shutdown and Demolition of Glass Lift Project

In response to these violations, the Bali Provincial DPRD issued four official recommendations.

• Stop all construction activities for the Glass Lift project in Banjar Karang Dawa, Bunga Mekar Village, Nusa Penida District, Klungkung Regency, carried out by PT Indonesia Kaishi Tourism Property Investment Development Group.
• Shut down and dismantle the Glass Lift structure, requiring PT Indonesia Kaishi Tourism Property Investment Development Group to carry out the demolition.
• All costs related to the demolition must be fully borne by PT Indonesia Kaishi Tourism Property Investment Development Group, within the specified timeframe and in accordance with existing regulations.
• If the company fails to carry out the demolition within the given deadline, the Klungkung Regency Government and the Bali Provincial Government will proceed with the demolition themselves, following the applicable laws and regulations.

Considering the DPRD’s recommendations and the severity of the violations, Governor Koster and Regent Satria decided to take firm action. They ordered PT Indonesia Kaishi Tourism Property Investment Development Group to immediately halt all construction activities.

In addition, the company is required to:

• Complete the demolition independently within a maximum of six months.
• Restore the spatial function of the area within an additional three months after demolition.

If PT Indonesia Kaishi Tourism Property Investment Development Group fails to carry out the demolition within the given timeframe, the Bali Provincial Government and the Klungkung Regency Government will step in to dismantle the structure in accordance with the law.

What Is It Like to Visit Kelingking Beach, Nusa Penida?

Kelingking Beach isn’t just another viewpoint in Nusa Penida. it’s one of the most photographed places on the planet. Millions come for that untouched, dramatic cliff shape and turquoise water.

Just two weeks ago, I visited Nusa Penida myself, and of course, I went straight to the famous Kelingking Beach. And yes… it was every bit as breathtaking as people say. The water was the bluest I’ve ever seen, the cliffs were unreal, and I honestly felt like I was standing inside a postcard.

Like everyone else, I also really wanted to go down to the beach and touch that insanely blue water. So I started the hike down, full of excitement… until reality hit.

The path quickly became almost unwalkable, steep, uneven, and slippery. And there I was in slippers, with no food and only a little water. Not the smartest decision, to be honest. I wasn’t scared of the cliff as much as I was scared of my shoe choice and the fact that I came so unprepared.

After about 30 minutes, when I could almost see the bottom, I decided to turn back. Continuing just didn’t feel safe.

But here’s the thing: Even after that experience, I would never recommend building an elevator there.

Kelingking is magical because it’s wild, natural, and untouched. Not everything has to be made “easy,” especially when it risks damaging something so iconic.

My personal advice for you who want to hike down the beach is bring water, wear proper shoes, have a small snack in your bag. As simple as that. But if you've tried and give up like I did, it's okay to just "accept" that maybe hike isn't for everyone. Honestly, the view from the top alone is more than enough.

Conclusion

Kelingking Beach is iconic because it’s raw and untouched. That’s why the shutdown and upcoming demolition of the Kelingking Glass Elevator is the right decision.

We believe not everything needs to be made “easier” or turned into an attraction. Yes, the hike down is challenging, but the beauty of Kelingking lies in its authenticity. And honestly, the view from the top is already unforgettable without any added structures.

Our stance has always been clear: we do not support development that harms Bali’s natural environment. At Bali Villa Realty, we make sure every villa, land plot, and property we handle complies with the proper zoning regulations and laws.

We strongly disagree with building, selling, or leasing property in green or conservation zones, as it can seriously harm the environment. Let’s continue investing in Bali responsibly; protecting its landscapes and supporting long-term sustainability for its communities.

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