Billy Bagus
Oct 31, 2025
New footage of the Glass Elevator Project at Kelingking Beach, Nusa Penida, has reignited public debate over Bali’s development priorities. The massive 182-meter structure, designed to connect the cliff-top viewpoint with the beach below, is reshaping one of Indonesia’s most photographed coastal vistas.
Once celebrated for its untouched beauty and dramatic T-Rex-shaped cliffs, Kelingking Beach now faces a transformation that could redefine how visitors experience it.
Supporters of the project argue it will improve accessibility, particularly for families and older tourists who find the steep descent challenging. The elevator is being marketed as a way to enhance visitor safety while preserving the fragile trails that currently lead down the limestone cliffs. Yet many observers question whether such large-scale construction aligns with Bali’s broader vision for sustainable tourism.
Permits in Place, Questions Remain
Officials have confirmed that the project holds a valid business identification number (NIB) and building permit (PBG) valued at over one billion rupiah. Backed by foreign investment, the development is said to comply with legal standards on paper. However, scrutiny has intensified after reports that the developers have yet to submit key investment documentation required by law.
The missing Investment Activity Report (LKPM) has raised concerns about transparency and oversight. Regulatory agencies have reportedly issued a summons for compliance, emphasizing that even minor lapses could result in legal consequences. Observers note that while permits exist, the lack of public disclosure regarding environmental assessments adds to growing unease about how such projects are monitored on the island.
Environmental and Cultural Impact Under the Spotlight
Environmental groups and tourism observers warn that the Glass Elevator Project could permanently alter the geological stability of Kelingking’s limestone cliffs. There are fears that the construction could accelerate erosion and disrupt the delicate ecosystem surrounding the beach. The absence of an officially released Environmental Impact Assessment (AMDAL) has fueled speculation about the rigor of the approval process.
Critics also highlight the cultural and aesthetic implications. Kelingking Beach became globally famous through social media for its wild beauty and panoramic viewpoints. Turning it into a site of heavy infrastructure, they argue, risks diminishing what made it extraordinary in the first place. The debate reflects a wider concern about how much development is too much for Bali’s natural wonders.
Balancing Tourism Growth and Environmental Stewardship
The controversy around the Kelingking Beach elevator is not only about one project. It mirrors a larger challenge facing Bali as it seeks to balance booming tourism with long-term sustainability. Authorities have repeatedly emphasized the need for responsible spatial planning and tighter oversight of new developments in strategic tourism zones. Ensuring transparency and accountability in the permitting process is increasingly viewed as essential to protecting Bali’s reputation as a world-class, environmentally conscious destination.
The Future of Kelingking Beach
As construction continues, the future of Kelingking Beach hangs in the balance. The project could either become a model of modern, sustainable infrastructure or a cautionary tale of overdevelopment. Much depends on how authorities enforce environmental safeguards and ensure that the island’s natural assets are not compromised for short-term gain.
What happens next at Kelingking Beach will likely influence how Bali approaches development across other tourism hotspots. The debate underscores a critical question for the island’s future: can Bali innovate for accessibility and growth without losing the wild beauty that made it famous?
