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Bali halts cliffside glass lift project amid environmental backlash
Indonesian authorities have suspended construction of a controversial 182-meter (597-foot) glass lift on Bali's iconic Kelingking Beach cliff, following widespread criticism over environmental damage and lack of proper permits. The project, led by Chinese developer China Kaishi Group, aimed to ease access to the beach but instead sparked outrage among locals and tourists.
Public outcry over natural landscape destruction
Photographs of the lift's initial construction-carving through the cliff nicknamed "T-Rex" for its distinctive shape-went viral, drawing condemnation for disrupting the area's natural beauty and accelerating erosion. Locals argued the project undermines Bali's appeal as an unspoiled destination.
"It's a shame that the beautiful view of Kelingking Beach has been destroyed by the lift project. Tourists come to Nusa Penida to enjoy the beautiful panorama, not the lifts," local resident Made Sediana told the Bali Sun.
Critics on social media echoed the sentiment, with one commenter stating, "Tourists come to Bali to enjoy its natural environment because their own countries are already filled with high-rise buildings. This just makes it even worse."
Regulatory violations and safety concerns
Authorities discovered the $12 million (£5.8 million) project lacked necessary permits. Bali senator Niluh Djelantik, a vocal opponent, had previously warned of the "great risks" posed by the lift, urging sustainable tourism practices.
"Enjoy Bali's beauty wisely; don't create access that seems to be leading tourists to the gates of disaster," she wrote on Facebook a day before the suspension was announced.
Niluh Djelantik, Bali Senator
The suspension's duration remains unclear. Some residents proposed repairing existing cliffside stairs instead, calling the lift a "vanity project." Others raised concerns that easier beach access could increase drowning incidents, as Kelingking's narrow coastline and strong waves have led to multiple fatalities despite swimming bans.
Broader context: Chinese investment in Bali
The lift controversy follows a surge in Chinese-led infrastructure projects in Bali. Earlier this year, Chinese firm ChangYe Construction Group partnered with local company PT BIBU Panji Sakti on a $3 billion joint venture to build Bali's second airport.
Currently, reaching Kelingking Beach requires a 45- to 60-minute hike down steep trails, with the return climb taking up to two hours-a challenge the lift was intended to address.
