Bali villa row escalates
DENPASAR – Wrangling continues over the threat to demolish villas which have been built in close proximity to the sacred Uluwatu temple in Jimbaran.
The Jakarta Post reported that local legislators have urged the Badung regent to take a strong stance against the development of new villas and resorts in the temple area.
The legislators and members of a religious body said the development violated the 2005 regional regulation on zoning and development.
The regulation stipulates the development and construction of buildings that have no religious function are not allowed in the vicinity of a major temple.
The area which stretches 5kms around the temple is considered sacred.
Perched on top of a steep cliff, Uluwatu temple is one of the most iconic places in Bali.
Complicating the issue is that some locals and developers argue the constructions are legal because the villas complexes acquired the necessary licences from a former Badung regent.
The legislative council on Bali said it would seek action from the current regent, A.A. Gde Agung, who would be asked to withdraw all the development licences.
A spokesman for the council said if the regent refused to do so, then the council would call him in for questioning.
The spokesman said it was time for the Balinese leaders to stick to the principles of Ajeg Bali (preservation of Balinese tradition, culture and religion).
Ian Jarrett
Vegas’s Billion-Dollar Secrets – What They Don’t Want Tourists to Know
Visit Florida’s New CEO Bryan Griffin Shares His Vision for State Tourism with Graham
Chicago’s Tourism Renaissance: Graham Interviews Kristin Reynolds of Choose Chicago
Graham Talks with Cassandra McCauley of MMGY NextFactor About the Latest Industry Research
Destination International’s Andreas Weissenborn: Research, Advocacy, and Destination Impact
Graham and Don Welsh Discuss the Success of Destinations International’s Annual Conference
Graham and CEO Andre Kiwitz on Ventura Travel’s UK Move and Recruitment for the Role
Brett Laiken and Graham Discuss Florida’s Tourism Momentum and Global Appeal
Graham and Elliot Ferguson on Positioning DC as a Cultural and Inclusive Global Destination
Graham Talks to Fraser Last About His England-to-Ireland Trek for Mental Health Awareness
Kathy Nelson Tells Graham About the Honour of Hosting the World Cup and Kansas City’s Future
Graham McKenzie on Sir Richie Richardson’s Dual Passion for Golf and His Homeland, Antigua
ADS PRO 
TAP Air Portugal to operate 29 flights due to strike on December 11
Qatar Airways offers flexible payment options for European travellers
Airbnb eyes a loyalty program but details remain under wraps
Air Mauritius reduces frequencies to Europe and Asia for the holiday season
Major rail disruptions around and in Berlin until early 2026