BALINEWSID.COM, DENPASAR – The status of a Bali Provincial Government-owned land parcel designated for the development of the India Cultural Centre Bali (ICCB) in Renon, Denpasar, has once again come under public scrutiny after remaining idle for more than two decades.

The issue resurfaced following a series of inspections conducted by the Special Committee on Spatial Planning, Regional Assets, and Licensing (Pansus TRAP) of the Bali Provincial Legislative Council (DPRD Bali), which uncovered various concerns related to land use, regional assets, and development permits across the island.

The ICCB project, first planned in 2004 and ceremonially launched during the administration of former Bali Governor Dewa Beratha alongside representatives of the Indian government, has yet to materialize. The prolonged delay has prompted questions regarding the future of the provincial asset and the commitment of both parties to the original agreement.

Dr. Somvir, Chairman of the Democrat-NasDem Faction in DPRD Bali and Deputy Secretary of the Pansus TRAP committee, emphasized the need for legal and policy certainty regarding the land’s status.

According to him, the provincial government must decide whether to continue the cooperation with the Government of India under the original arrangement or reclaim the land as a fully managed provincial asset.

“The situation has remained in a status quo for years without any clear progress. We hope this issue can be resolved soon and not remain in limbo. If this is indeed a government-to-government matter, then it should be settled through official channels between both governments,” Somvir said on Monday.

He noted that leaving a strategic provincial asset unused for decades represents a loss for Bali and prevents the land from delivering benefits to the public.

Somvir also encouraged the Bali Provincial Government to establish direct communication with Indian diplomatic representatives, including the Consulate and the Embassy of India, to identify the obstacles that have prevented the ICCB project from moving forward.

In addition, he proposed a reciprocal arrangement should the land ultimately remain under the cooperation framework. He suggested that the Indian government could provide land for Bali, particularly near the Ganges River, where many Balinese Hindus travel for religious pilgrimages.

Meanwhile, Professor Putu Rumawan Salain, a prominent architect and academic from Udayana University, expressed support for the role of Pansus TRAP in overseeing issues related to spatial planning, public assets, and licensing.

He described these sectors as interconnected and highly strategic for Bali’s future development.

“Regional assets, permits, and spatial planning are closely linked. What is currently visible to the public may only represent a fraction of the broader issues that exist,” Rumawan said.

The professor praised the committee’s efforts to uncover irregularities but stressed that Pansus TRAP does not possess executive authority to enforce sanctions or implement corrective measures.

“Pansus TRAP is not a super power. Its role is to investigate, reveal facts, and provide oversight. Once findings are disclosed, the relevant government agencies and law enforcement institutions must respond according to their respective authorities,” he explained.

Rumawan further called for stronger coordination among the legislative branch, the executive government, technical agencies, and law enforcement authorities to ensure that findings uncovered through oversight activities are followed by concrete action.

He warned that without proper follow-up, public confidence in governance and asset management could be undermined.

The ICCB project was originally envisioned as a cultural bridge between Bali and India, reflecting the historical and cultural ties shared by both communities. In 2018, representatives of the India Cultural Centre Bali also explored cooperation opportunities with the Denpasar City Government in education, arts, cultural exchanges, scholarship programs, and language learning initiatives.

Despite these efforts, the planned cultural center remains unrealized, leaving the future of the provincial land uncertain and fueling calls for a definitive resolution from both the Bali Provincial Government and the Government of India.