Bali Imposes Moratorium on New Developments

Bali has implemented a moratorium on new hotel, villa, and nightclub construction to address the growing concerns of over-tourism and over-development on the island. Approximately 2.9 million foreign visitors arrived in the first half of 2024, accounting for 65% of Indonesia's total foreign arrivals by air, which has strained local infrastructure and culture. The ban is part of a broader initiative by the Indonesian government to improve the quality of life for locals and preserve the island's indigenous culture, with the moratorium potentially lasting up to 10 years. Officials cite that around 200,000 foreigners currently reside in Bali, exacerbating issues like crime and job competition. This decision comes in response to widespread complaints about bad behavior from tourists and aims to prevent a scenario similar to other over-touristed locations worldwide. The government hopes these measures will foster a more sustainable tourism model for Bali.