Jakarta (ANTARA) - Indonesia’s Tourism Ministry said it is closely monitoring the construction of a glass elevator on Bali’s Nusa Penida Island to ensure the project complies with environmental standards and does not harm the area’s fragile ecosystem.
Tourism Ministry Deputy for Destination and Infrastructure Development Hariyanto said Thursday that his office is coordinating with the Bali provincial and Klungkung district governments to safeguard the natural landscape of Kelingking Beach, one of the island’s most visited destinations.
“Supervision has been in place since the project’s planning phase in 2023, reflecting our commitment to sustainability, safety, and cleanliness,” he said.
While Klungkung authorities have defended the elevator as a way to extend tourists’ length of stay, the ministry continues to prioritize environmental protection, Hariyanto added.
He said the ministry has issued regulations guiding tourism businesses to balance economic goals with preserving natural and cultural assets and ensuring visitor safety and comfort.
“The Tourism Ministry has urged the elevator developer to adopt green construction methods and renewable energy technologies to reduce its environmental footprint,” he said.
Klungkung’s tourism sector continues to expand amid the project, with visitor arrivals to Nusa Penida rising from 714,335 in 2023 to 1.1 million this year, according to local data.
The glass elevator, reportedly 182 meters high and connected by a 64-meter bridge, has sparked debate on social media since Tuesday over its potential environmental impact and visual intrusion on Kelingking Beach’s iconic cliffside view.
Responding to public concerns, Bali’s Regional Representative Council sent a letter to the Klungkung government seeking clarification about the privately funded project.
Officials say the ministry’s oversight aims to ensure tourism development aligns with sustainability principles central to Indonesia’s long-term economic strategy.
