BALINEWSID.COM, DENPASAR – The Special Committee on Spatial Planning, Regional Assets, and Licensing (TRAP) of the Bali Regional House of Representatives (DPRD Bali) plays a strategic role in overseeing development governance across the island. However, the success of addressing spatial planning violations cannot rest solely on the committee, as concrete follow-up actions must come from local governments and law enforcement agencies.

This view was expressed by Professor of Architecture at Udayana University, Prof. Dr. Ir. Putu Rumawan Salain, M.Si., during an interview in Denpasar on Monday (June 1, 2026). The expert in Balinese Traditional Architecture emphasized that issues related to spatial planning, regional assets, and licensing are closely interconnected and have become matters of public concern because they affect Bali’s future development.

“Licensing, regional assets, and spatial planning are all interconnected. At present, spatial planning issues are the most visible. When a building’s spatial planning compliance is found to be problematic, licensing issues will inevitably come to light as well. Everything will gradually be revealed,” he said.

Prof. Rumawan stated that the existence of the TRAP Special Committee deserves appreciation as long as its efforts are aimed at protecting Bali’s interests and improving development governance, which he believes still faces numerous unresolved issues. He added that the violations currently coming to light likely represent only a fraction of the actual problems occurring on the ground.

He therefore called on all stakeholders to support the committee’s oversight efforts by promoting transparency and openness to the public.

“What has already come to light should be addressed collectively. There should be no mutual suspicion. Everything must be transparent and communicated to the public. Unless there are individuals involved in misconduct, which is a separate matter and must be processed accordingly,” he stressed.

## Committee Reveals Facts, Not an Executing Authority

Prof. Rumawan also addressed public perceptions surrounding several surprise inspections conducted by the TRAP Special Committee. A number of buildings and businesses suspected of violating spatial planning regulations have attracted public attention, with some even being sealed. However, many residents continue to question the final resolution of these findings.

According to him, it is inappropriate to place the entire burden of responsibility on the committee because, institutionally, its role is to supervise and uncover facts rather than enforce sanctions.

“The TRAP Special Committee’s role is to observe, assess, and uncover existing problems. Once violations are identified, it is necessary to determine who issued the permits, which agencies are responsible, and which officials were involved. Those are the matters that must be investigated further,” he explained.

He noted that administrative sanctions and legal proceedings fall under the authority of technical agencies, local governments, and law enforcement institutions in accordance with their respective mandates.

“If there are consultants or other parties involved, their roles will eventually be revealed. In my view, the TRAP Special Committee is not an institution with unlimited power. Its authority lies in identifying and exposing problems. After that, the relevant parties must respond and carry out their respective duties,” he said.

## Do Not Leave the Committee Fighting Alone

Prof. Rumawan further likened the committee’s findings to an initial report that must be followed up by institutions with enforcement authority. Without a response from government agencies and law enforcement, the committee’s work risks ending as mere findings without meaningful resolution.

He emphasized the importance of synergy between the DPRD, local governments, technical agencies, and law enforcement authorities in resolving violations uncovered through the committee’s investigations.

“There must be a reciprocal response. The TRAP Special Committee should not be viewed as a firefighter expected to solve every problem on its own. Once findings are made, they should immediately be processed. The government must also provide all necessary data so that the handling process is clear and transparent,” he said.

According to Prof. Rumawan, the committee often appears to be working alone in uncovering alleged spatial planning violations, while follow-up actions from institutions with enforcement authority have not been sufficiently visible. He described this situation as a reflection of the broader effectiveness of regional governance.

Using a football analogy, he warned against allowing important findings to go unresolved.

“It is like a football match where the ball is already in front of the goal and only needs to be kicked into the net, yet no one responds. The referee remains silent, the spectators simply watch and applaud, and in the end, nothing happens. We must not allow that situation to occur. All parties must move together,” he concluded.

Prof. Rumawan’s remarks serve as a reminder that safeguarding Bali’s spatial planning system cannot rely solely on the TRAP Special Committee. The findings that have been disclosed to the public must become the starting point for concrete actions by local governments, technical agencies, and law enforcement authorities to ensure accountability, sustainable development, and the preservation of Bali for future generations.