Indonesia's Bali to enforce regulations prohibiting beach privatization

JAKARTA -- The Balinese administration is preparing a regulation to prohibit investors from privatizing beaches on the holiday island, the governor of Bali announced on Wednesday.

Bali Governor I Wayan Koster told local media that his administration plans to issue the regulation after observing numerous instances where hotels, villas, and beach clubs restricted local residents' access to beaches and shorelines to ensure the comfort of their guests.

The governor said investors should not control coastal areas under any circumstances, noting that the Hindu community in Bali has faced challenges in conducting customary ceremonies on beaches due to excessive tourism activities.

In addition, Koster revealed that his administration will introduce another regulation banning foreign nationals from using private vehicles across Bali. This measure aims to reduce traffic congestion and prevent accidents, particularly those involving foreigners riding motorcycles.

In January, a 70-year-old French tourist suffered a fractured left hand and waist after falling into a ravine while riding a rented motorbike in the Tabanan region. In the same month, a 25-year-old French tourist died after being struck by an unknown vehicle in the Badung region.