The demolition process is expected to take a month. Koster also refuted claims that the demolitions disregarded the livelihoods of workers in the area. “We are not neglecting workers; we are protecting them. However, when there is disorder, violations of the law, and use of others’ assets, we cannot ignore it,” Koster stated after the intervention.
The Bali Provincial Government plans to establish an audit team to investigate tourism licenses across the island, aiming for strict enforcement against violators in accordance with the law. Regent Adi Arnawa emphasized that the demolitions were executed according to standard operating procedures. The Badung Regency had previously notified the building owners with three written warnings, with this day marking the final notice. “We have followed the procedures and issued warnings; today, we are executing the demolition based on the regent’s order,” said Arnawa.
He also expressed intentions to engage in dialogue with affected workers post-demolition. “We will take their hopes into account. As the Badung Regent, I will not abandon my people. We will have discussions, but first, we need to conclude the demolition,” he explained. According to him, the local authorities anticipated that the demolition would be completed within a month.
The demolitions sparked discontent among workers, many of whom lost their jobs without compensation or solutions. Komang Widya, a housekeeper at Morabito Art Cliff, shared her distress during the demolitions. “We are unsure about the legal issues involved. We just wish there could have been a quicker resolution. It feels overwhelming to be destroyed so swiftly, especially after ten years of work,” she reflected.
Widya revealed that the workers continued to show up despite multiple warnings because of financial necessity. “We came because we needed to earn a living. Even today, we had guests in the villa who had to leave early due to the demolition process,” she recounted.
Another staff member, Putu Agus Ilham Putra Wijaya, expressed similar sentiments of frustration, particularly regarding the lack of compensation or future job offers for those affected by the demolition. “We protested today, but there were no provisions made for us after the demolitions,” he noted, urging the government to consider the plight of local workers who have families to support.
Business owners also lamented the demolitions. Komang Agus, manager of Morabito Art Cliff, asserted that they had consistently paid taxes even though their establishment was recently deemed illegal. He questioned the timing of the government’s claim that the land was state-owned, asking why such issues weren’t raised sooner if they had been in operation for nearly two decades.
“We have had discussions with the officials before the demolitions, but to no avail. It feels as though our rights and future have been disregarded,” Agus said amidst the wreckage of his establishment, which employs around 170 individuals. While efforts are being made to keep operations afloat, revenue has undoubtedly diminished due to the ongoing dismantling.
Agus hopes for a positive resolution in the upcoming meetings, advocating for renewed opportunities for local businesses in Bingin, ensuring legal rights are granted not just to foreigners but also to local inhabitants who seek to contribute positively to the community.
