A restaurant going viral on social media has been constructed within the Penelokan Nature Tourism Park in Bangli, which is recognized as a conservation area. In response, the Bali Natural Resources Conservation Agency has issued a public statement and apologized.
The case emerged after photos and videos circulated showing a concrete building in the middle of a conservation area spanning 574.27 hectares. The issue raised public concern over deforestation for tourism facilities.
“We had no idea there was a building there. According to information from the field, activities at the site have been ongoing for about 8 months. The community only became aware of it when the building became visible from our village. It’s very worrying because there has been forest clearing in the middle of the forest, which should not have been done,” said I Nyoman Gamayana, the Village Head of Kedisan as quoted from DetikTravel.
In response, several Bangli regional agencies recommended that the Head of Natural Resources Conservation Agency in Bali to ask the restaurant owner, I Ketut Oka Sari Merta, to dismantle the building in the conservation area. It was explained that holders of tourism service permits are only allowed to utilize existing natural tourism facilities without constructing permanent buildings.
However, Head of Bali Natural Resources Conservation Agency, Ratna Hendratmoko, stated that the building is located in the Utilization Block, part of the Penelokan management area.
Considered as State Assets
I Ketut Oka Sari Merta, a resident of Batur Tengah Village, holds a Nature Tourism Service Business Permit with Standard Certificate issued by Indonesia’s Investment Coordinating Board on October 7, 2024.
“According to Oka Sari Merta’s understanding, to implement his tourism service permit and operate his business, a building for food and beverage provision was required. The building, which was constructed without legal status, will be processed as a state asset. Afterwards, Natural Resources Conservation Agency in Bali will determine the rental value based on fairness,” explained Ratna Hendratmoko on Monday, October 13, 2025.
Although the restaurant measures 10.9 x 10 meters, with a toilet, kitchen, front garden (14.3 x 36 meters), and parking area (11.7 x 38.7 meters), Natural Resources Conservation Agency emphasized that the tourism services will be evaluated participatively with local customary communities and stakeholders.
The evaluation will assess administrative completeness and the alignment of the business plan with the area’s carrying capacity. As a follow-up, Natural Resources Conservation Agency has scheduled meetings with customary leaders of Kedisan Village, the Bangli Regent, and the Head of the Bali Forestry and Environment Office from October 13–15, 2025.
Cautious in Granting Permits
Previously, Natural Resources Conservation Agency had also reported the case to the Director General of Directorate General of Natural Resources and Ecosystem Conservation as well as to provincial and district governments.
“Natural Resources Conservation Agency in Bali apologizes for the dynamics that have occurred. We acknowledge delays in fulfilling administrative aspects, particularly concerning support and approval from surrounding communities. Going forward, we will be more cautious in granting consideration and permits for activities in conservation areas, prioritizing transparency and community involvement,” said Ratna Hendratmoko.
Ratna added that the agency is committed to improving administrative processes and strengthening coordination with all stakeholders to ensure that Penelokan management adheres to conservation principles and sustainability.
“We understand this case has caused public concern and alarm among many parties, including local communities and environmental advocates. Therefore, we will ensure that every form of conservation area utilization is conducted transparently, participatively, and oriented towards environmental preservation and community welfare,” she added.
As part of the resolution strategy, Natural Resources Conservation Agency will hold clarification meetings with the business owner and local customary leaders, followed by consultations with the Bangli Regent and Bali Governor.
The goal is to formulate policies that guarantee all nature tourism activities in the conservation area remain legally compliant, sustainable, and environmentally responsible.
“Once again, Natural Resources Conservation Agency in Bali apologizes for this incident and is committed to continuously improving conservation services with full integrity,” Ratna concluded.