Indonesia is to suspend construction of new hotels in some areas of Bali over fears about the overdevelopment of this popular tourist destination.
The Guardian reports that tourism has rebounded in Bali after the Covid pandemic, but there is growing concern about the strain visitors are placing on local infrastructure, the environment, and culture.
There were 541 hotels in Bali last year, up from 507 in 2019. Foreign arrivals in Bali have surged following the lifting of pandemic restrictions, with 2.9 million foreign visitors entering the island through Bali airport in the first half of this year, according to Indonesia’s statistics bureau.
Reuters reports that, according to Hermin Esti, a senior official at the Coordinating Ministry of Maritime and Investment Affairs, the government in Jakarta had agreed to set a moratorium on the construction of new hotels, villas and nightclubs.
It’s not clear how long the moratorium will last, but a senior minister, Luhut Pandjaitan, is quoted by news website Detik as saying that it could remain in place for up to a decade.
Problems associated with overtourism reportedly include increased traffic, mounting construction projects, and disrespectful tourists. The island has become particularly popular among digital nomads who often stay for longer periods.