What's happened
Following deadly floods caused by extreme rainfall and land development, Bali authorities have announced a ban on new hotel and restaurant construction on rice fields and productive land. The move aims to reduce flood risks and curb overdevelopment, amid warnings of worsening climate impacts and environmental degradation.
What's behind the headline?
The new land ban in Bali signals a critical shift in environmental policy driven by the recent catastrophic floods. The government’s move to restrict permits on productive land, especially rice paddies, directly targets the root causes of flooding—overdevelopment and deforestation. This policy aligns with scientific consensus that climate change is intensifying rainfall and flood severity, and that urban expansion without environmental safeguards worsens these effects.
However, the ban also highlights the tension between economic growth through tourism and environmental sustainability. Bali’s rapid development, fueled by foreign investment and policies like digital nomad visas, has transformed its landscape and increased vulnerability to natural disasters. The restriction may slow some growth but is necessary to preserve the island’s ecological balance.
Looking ahead, enforcement and community involvement will be crucial. The government’s plan to allow permits for individual landowners suggests a nuanced approach, but without strong local governance and community engagement, illegal land conversions may persist. The policy’s success will depend on balancing economic interests with environmental preservation, and it will likely serve as a model for other regions facing similar climate and development pressures.
What the papers say
The Guardian reports that Bali’s new regulations aim to halt permits for hotels and restaurants on productive land, including rice fields, following severe flooding and a declaration of a land conversion ban aligned with a 100-year plan. South China Morning Post emphasizes that recent floods, caused by extreme rainfall and exacerbated by waste blockages and land use changes, have led to at least 18 deaths and displaced hundreds. Both sources highlight the link between overdevelopment, climate change, and increased flood risk. Al Jazeera adds that the floods, worsened by climate change, have prompted Indonesia’s president to accelerate disaster response efforts, with authorities deploying hundreds of personnel to search for missing persons and clear debris. The coverage collectively underscores the urgent need for sustainable land management and climate adaptation strategies in Bali.
How we got here
Bali has experienced increasing flooding over recent years, exacerbated by climate change, deforestation, and rapid tourism-driven land conversion. The island's landscape has been significantly altered by the construction of villas, hotels, and other facilities on hills and rice paddies, reducing natural water absorption and increasing flood risk. Authorities have responded with new regulations to protect remaining green spaces and address overdevelopment, following severe floods in September that resulted in multiple fatalities and widespread damage.
Go deeper
Common question
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What Caused the Severe Flooding in Bali?
Recent heavy rains in Bali have led to devastating floods and landslides, causing loss of life and widespread damage. But what exactly triggered this disaster? Understanding the causes involves looking at climate factors, land use changes, and urban planning issues. Below, we explore the key questions surrounding Bali's floods and what they mean for the island's future.
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Why Did Bali Ban New Hotel and Restaurant Construction on Rice Fields?
Bali has recently implemented a land ban on new hotel and restaurant projects on rice fields and productive land. This move aims to combat flooding, protect the environment, and promote sustainable development. But what exactly prompted this decision, and how might it impact Bali’s future? Below, we explore the reasons behind the ban and answer common questions about Bali’s land management and flood prevention efforts.
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