Bali Governor Wayan Koster has called for an immediate and thorough investigation into the permitting process for a controversial new glass lift project at the iconic Kelingking Beach in Nusa Penida, Klungkung Regency. The Governor has specifically instructed the Bali DPRD’s Special Committee for Spatial Planning and Government Assets (Pansus TRAP) to scrutinize all relevant documents and conduct an on-site inspection. Koster, a prominent politician from the PDIP party, made it clear that if any significant violations are uncovered, the 128-meter-high glass lift project must be shut down without hesitation.
Speaking in Denpasar on Thursday, October 30, Governor Koster highlighted the widespread public concern surrounding the development. “Yesterday, news of the lift at Kelingking Beach in Nusa Penida went viral everywhere. I received calls from all directions,” he stated. “I have asked Pansus TRAP to check the documents and inspect the site for any violations. If there are blatant violations, then it must be closed, simple as that.” This stern directive underscores the provincial government’s commitment to upholding regulations amidst rapid tourism development.
According to information obtained by Governor Koster, the permits for the glass lift construction were issued in 2024, reportedly secured through both the Online Single Submission (OSS) system – typically managed by the central government – and local government channels. “The permit came out in 2024. In 2024, it was processed, and eventually, full permits were obtained from both OSS and the local government,” Koster elaborated, indicating a seemingly legitimate, though now scrutinized, process.
Further raising questions about the project’s oversight, Governor Koster revealed that Klungkung Regent I Made Satria was, until very recently, unaware of the glass lift development. Regent Satria, who was inaugurated on February 20, 2025, reportedly only learned about the project two days prior to Koster’s statement. “The Klungkung Regent did not know about this before the case emerged. I contacted the Regent, and he only found out two days ago. His regional apparatus has since been summoned,” Koster explained, highlighting a potential communication breakdown within local governance.
Meanwhile, I Made Sudiarka Jaya, the Head of the Klungkung Investment and One-Stop Integrated Services Agency (DPMPTSP), confirmed that the investors have indeed completed several key permit documents, including a crucial environmental permit. He added that once construction is finalized, the investors are still required to secure a certificate of functional eligibility before the glass lift can be opened to the public. Furthermore, the investors reportedly plan to collaborate with local communities in Kelingking for the lift’s operation, aiming to foster local economic participation.
The primary objective behind the Rp 200 billion (approximately $12.8 million USD) project, which commenced construction in July 2023, is to significantly improve tourist access to the breathtaking Kelingking Beach. Currently, visitors face a challenging descent via steep and sometimes hazardous stairs to reach the iconic shoreline. The glass lift is envisioned as a modern solution to enhance convenience and safety for the throngs of tourists drawn to Nusa Penida’s natural beauty, balancing accessibility with the imperative of adhering to strict environmental and spatial planning regulations.
Summary
Bali Governor Wayan Koster has called for an immediate and thorough investigation into the permitting process for a controversial 128-meter glass lift project at Kelingking Beach in Nusa Penida. Citing widespread public concern, Governor Koster instructed an on-site inspection and review of documents, emphasizing that the project must be shut down if significant violations are uncovered. Permits for the construction were reportedly secured in 2024 through both the OSS system and local government channels, a process now under scrutiny.
The Rp 200 billion project, which began construction in July 2023, aims to enhance tourist access and safety to the popular beach, currently reached by challenging stairs. While investors have completed several key permits, including an environmental one, the Klungkung Regent was reportedly unaware of the project until just recently. The glass lift still requires a certificate of functional eligibility before it can open to the public, with plans for collaboration with local communities in its operation.