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
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