The Kelingking Beach elevator project in Nusa Penida has been officially shut down following widespread criticism and a formal investigation into its legality.

Authorities confirmed that construction has been sealed off with police lines after a viral video revealed large-scale work on the cliff face, one of Bali’s most photographed natural landmarks.

Kelingking Beach Glass Elevator Shut Down After Public Backlash

The IDR 200 billion project, carried out by PT Bina Nusa Properti in partnership with PT Indonesia Kaishi Tourism Property, planned to construct twin glass elevators descending 182 meters down the cliff to improve visitor access to Kelingking Beach.

However, the development quickly drew public outrage, with critics arguing it would ruin the beach’s natural landscape and increase landslide risk.

Following the viral footage, the Bali Provincial Government and Klungkung Regency authorities conducted an immediate inspection, resulting in a temporary suspension order on 31 October 2025.

How the Project Began and the Key Timeline

The project broke ground in 2023, where it was promoted as an infrastructure upgrade to support growing tourism in Nusa Penida.

In October 2025, a video circulated online showing the nearly completed elevator shaft and supporting structures built into the cliff.

Within days, Bali’s DPRD (Regional House of Representatives) dispatched a team to investigate, citing potential breaches of coastal protection and spatial planning laws.

Authorities officially ordered all on-site activity to cease pending verification of the project’s permits and compliance documents.

DPRD Bali Finds the Site in a Disaster-Mitigation Zone

During its field inspection, the DPRD Bali special committee reported that the elevator was being built within a disaster-mitigation and high-risk zone, an area legally restricted under Indonesia’s spatial planning regulations (Law No. 26/2007).

Officials noted the absence of adequate environmental feasibility studies, as well as missing documentation related to disaster-response planning and coastal erosion control.

Niluh Djelantik, an independent Bali senator and tourism advocate, personally inspected the construction site. Through a live broadcast, she showed footage of the project, which she described as damaging to the area’s natural beauty and misaligned with the community’s actual needs.

Claims that the Project Is Fully Permitted

Despite the halt order, the project’s developer has maintained that the construction of the Kelingking Beach elevator already obtained the required permits, including environmental and location approvals from the local government.

Nevertheless, representatives of the development group have still expressed willingness to cooperate with authorities during the verification process.

Still, the controversy has sparked wider debate about Bali’s zoning enforcement, with calls to strengthen the monitoring of high-value coastal projects and prevent future non-compliant developments from proceeding unchecked.

Why Properly Compliant Projects Matter in Bali

The Kelingking Beach case serves as a reminder that even large-scale, well-funded projects can face suspension when zoning or permit compliance is unclear. For Bali’s property sector, it reinforces a growing truth: legal certainty is the foundation of sustainable investment.

Developments that fully align with spatial plans, environmental standards, and permit procedures not only protect investors but also help preserve Bali’s global reputation as a world-class destination.

At Pertama Property, compliance is built into every stage of development, from land verification and zoning approval to full PBG and SLF certification. Our commitment to transparency ensures that every project stands on solid legal and ethical ground, supporting both investor confidence and Bali’s long-term growth.

Explore compliant, investment-ready opportunities in Bali with Pertama Property.

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