The Indonesian Government has decided to impose a temporary halt on the construction of new hotels, villas, and nightclubs in select tourist regions of Bali.

The latest move reportedly comes in response to the rising concerns related to over-development of land in the region.

It is also part of a broader initiative by the government to reform tourism on the island, aiming to enhance quality and employment while protecting indigenous culture.

The government has agreed on the moratorium, though the duration is still under discussion, a senior official from Indonesia’s Coordinating Ministry of Maritime and Investment Affairs, Hermin Esti, confirmed to Reuters.

Bali's interim governor Sang Made Mahendra Jaya proposed the suspension of construction activities in four of Bali's busiest districts on 7 September, targeting over-development for commercial use.

As of 9 September, there was no immediate comment from the governor's office or Indonesia’s tourism ministry regarding the moratorium, the media outlet added.  

Senior minister Luhut Pandjaitan, as cited by Detik on 8 September, indicated that the moratorium could last up to ten years.

Pandjaitan has also highlighted the strain caused by approximately 200,000 foreigners residing in Bali, including increased crime and job competition. 

In addition, the influx of foreign visitors has soared since Bali reopened post-Covid-19, with social media frequently spotlighting tourists' misconduct.

Reuters cited government data showcasing that approximately 2.9 million international tourists landed at Bali Airport in the first half of the year, accounting for 65% of Indonesia's total air arrivals.

The number of hotels in Bali reached 541 last year, an increase from 507 in 2019, according to the same data.