Bali’s Bold Move to Address Over-tourism

Bali, often regarded as a paradise on Earth, has long been a top destination for travellers around the globe. With its pristine beaches, lush landscapes, and rich cultural heritage, it’s no wonder millions flock to the Indonesian island every year. But the allure of Bali has also become its Achilles’ heel. The island is grappling with over-tourism and unruly behaviour from some visitors, straining both its infrastructure and its cultural identity. Now, in a bold move to tackle these growing issues, Bali is considering a moratorium on the construction of new hotels, villas, and nightclubs. This step could reshape the island’s future for the next decade.

Overtourism is not a new issue for Bali, but it has intensified in recent years. Following the island’s reopening after COVID-19 lockdowns, Bali saw a surge of tourists, with 2.9 million visitors arriving in the first half of this year alone. To put that in perspective, that’s 65% of Indonesia’s total foreign arrivals by air. While tourism is the lifeblood of Bali’s economy, this influx has highlighted the island’s fragile balance between growth and sustainability.

The idea of banning new hotels may seem drastic, but it addresses several pressing concerns. The rapid development of accommodations has been staggering. In 2019, there were 507 hotels on the island; by last year, that number had ballooned to 541. While these numbers don’t seem astronomical at first glance, the consequences of unchecked development are tangible. Land that once was used for agriculture or cultural practices has been swallowed up by resorts, villas, and luxury accommodations. This is leading to not only environmental degradation but also the erosion of Bali’s cultural identity, which is deeply tied to its landscapes and traditions.

Senior Indonesian minister Luhut Pandjaitan has been vocal about the potential ban, suggesting that it could last up to ten years. This proposed moratorium aims to do more than just halt construction—it’s about reforming tourism on the island, enhancing the quality of jobs for locals, and preserving Bali’s unique cultural heritage for future generations. The pause on new developments would give Bali much-needed breathing room to reassess its rapid growth and address the various challenges that have come with it.

One of the primary concerns for local Balinese communities is how overdevelopment has impacted the job market. Bali’s tourism industry has created a competitive landscape, where foreigners, many of whom now live on the island, are competing for jobs traditionally held by locals. Currently, around 200,000 foreigners reside in Bali, and this influx has contributed to rising property prices and wage suppression for local workers. The presence of expatriates has also sparked concerns over crime and changes in the island’s social fabric.

The moratorium on hotel construction isn’t just about curbing physical development. It’s also about fostering more sustainable tourism practices. Bali, like many other destinations struggling with overtourism, faces the dilemma of quantity versus quality. More tourists might mean more money, but it can also mean overcrowded beaches, traffic congestion, and a loss of the island’s sense of tranquillity—elements that draw travellers to Bali in the first place. By hitting the pause button on new accommodations, Bali has the chance to focus on enhancing the quality of its tourism industry rather than the sheer volume of visitors.

Preserving Bali’s rich culture is another central goal of this ban. Bali’s culture is steeped in centuries-old traditions, ceremonies, and values that are increasingly at risk of being overshadowed by the demands of a booming tourism industry. The island’s Hindu temples, religious festivals, and traditional arts have become popular attractions, but they are not mere commodities for tourists—they are living expressions of the Balinese way of life. If the island continues to prioritize mass tourism over cultural preservation, the risk is not just environmental damage but also the loss of what makes Bali unique.

For many Balinese, this proposed hotel ban is seen as a step in the right direction. It signals a shift from unsustainable growth to a model that prioritizes the well-being of the island and its people. If the moratorium is approved, it could set a precedent for how other popular tourist destinations manage overtourism, particularly in a post-pandemic world where the desire to travel is higher than ever.

Of course, the ban is not without its critics. The hospitality industry, which has heavily invested in new developments, stands to lose out on potential profits during this period. Some argue that the ban could stunt economic growth and reduce job opportunities in the short term. However, supporters of the ban argue that a long-term approach to sustainable tourism is necessary to ensure that Bali remains a viable destination for generations to come.

It’s important to remember that tourism is a double-edged sword. It brings economic benefits, but it also comes with a host of challenges—particularly for destinations as beloved and over-visited as Bali. The island’s delicate ecosystems and cultural traditions are in danger of being overwhelmed by the very people who come to admire them. If and when this ban is implemented, Bali can take the time to reflect on its rapid growth, reassess its tourism strategies, and protect what makes the island truly special.

The moratorium is not an end to tourism in Bali; it’s an opportunity to pause, recalibrate, and create a future where the island and its visitors can thrive. By focusing on sustainable growth, job quality, and cultural preservation, Bali has the chance to redefine what it means to be a world-class destination. For now, the island is at a crossroads, but with careful planning and a commitment to its people and heritage, Bali’s best days may still be ahead.