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Indonesia will ban development of new hotels and restaurants built atop converted agricultural land and cultivated terrain on the tourist hotspot of Bali, after recent flash flooding killed at least 18 residents.

Crisis Declaration Announced After Severe Flooding

An emergency status was enacted on September 10 after the island experienced the most severe deluge in more than a decade.

Resulting from torrential downpours, the flooding caused extensive damage to homes, civic infrastructure and public works and impacted numerous residents across the capital and its surrounding areas.

Environmental Concerns Regarding Overtourism

Eco-groups have consistently raised concerns about the consequences of excessive visitor numbers on the island, saying that stricter controls to curb terrain alteration would lessen the dangers from deluges and other natural disasters.

Updated Regulations Issued by Bali Governor

After the floods, the island’s chief official, Wayan Koster, confirmed this week that new rules had been enforced.

“Beginning immediately, yes, there is already an order to every regional head and mayors across Bali,”

he said on September 14.

“After handling the floods, we will meet again to guarantee no additional licenses are granted for lodging, restaurants or other facilities on arable terrain, particularly rice fields.”

Land Conversion Ban in Line With Bali’s 100-Year Plan

“Beginning in 2025, the restriction on terrain alteration will align with the island’s century-long strategy.”

“From 2025 onward, zero cultivatable terrain can be repurposed into commercial facilities.”

Rapid Change on the Famous Destination

Known for its vibrant terraced fields and picturesque shores, the tropical paradise has undergone rapid change over the past half-century.

Residents and visitors have expressed concern about the congestion, environmental degradation and badly behaved foreigners that have come with the hotels and resorts that now overwhelm the island.

Earlier Intentions and Updated Schedule

Indonesia previously indicated that it would impose a temporary ban on new hotels amid fears of overdevelopment, but the proposal was not implemented.

The updated regulations are scheduled for enforcement by the close of next year.

Climate Factors and Human Impact

Flooding is frequent in Indonesia during the wet season, which generally occurs from late year to early year.

Yet, scientists say the global warming is exacerbating the monsoon period, bringing heavier rainfall and more frequent flash floods.

Overdevelopment and widespread deforestation are considered to be increasing the severity of flooding.

Official Support for New Measures

The nation’s ecology official, Hanif Faisal Nurofiq, said after the floods that the regulatory changes were an important step for the island.

“This is also crucial for Bali’s tourism as the latest inundation has raised major concerns.”

“I previously urged the governor last week that I strongly desire he will immediately stop the terrain alterations in Bali. This is extremely important.”

Global Context in Climate Extremes

Intense precipitation is more common and more intense because of anthropogenic global warming across most of the world, particularly in Europe, most of Asia, central and eastern North America, and regions within the southern hemisphere, Africa and Australia.

The reason is that warmer air can retain additional moisture.

Inundation has probably grown more frequent and severe in these locations as a consequence, but is also affected by anthropogenic elements, such as the presence of protective infrastructure and land use.