BALINEWSID.COM, DENPASAR – The Bali Development Watch Forum (FOR HATI) submitted a 10-point statement of aspirations to the Special Committee on Spatial Planning, Regional Assets, and Licensing (Pansus TRAP) of the Bali Regional House of Representatives (DPRD Bali) during a meeting at the Bali DPRD Office on Wednesday (June 3, 2026).

The delegation, consisting of academics, community organizations, traditional community representatives, and university students, was received by Pansus TRAP Chairman I Made Supartha, Secretary Dewa Nyoman Rai, and several committee members at the DPRD Bali complex.

FOR HATI Chairman I Ketut Sae Tanju said the group’s visit was intended to support the committee’s efforts to safeguard Bali’s spatial planning policies from what it described as uncontrolled investment and development practices.

“We are not against development or investment in Bali. However, every development process must be carried out transparently, openly, and with meaningful public participation,” Sae Tanju said.

According to him, investments conducted in accordance with regulations should not be resistant to criticism or public oversight. He argued that projects driven by particular interests often tend to limit public participation and transparency.

In its statement, FOR HATI expressed support for Pansus TRAP’s efforts to investigate alleged irregularities surrounding the Serangan Island Special Economic Zone (KEK Serangan), including land swap arrangements, mangrove conversion activities, and the issuance of land ownership certificates (SHM) that are suspected of conflicting with existing laws and regulations.

The forum also called for accountability from the executive branch, particularly the Governor of Bali and the Mayor of Denpasar in their capacities as Chair and Deputy Chair of the Serangan KEK Steering Council. FOR HATI further urged both the Bali DPRD and Denpasar DPRD to evaluate their oversight functions regarding the project.

FOR HATI strongly opposed the destruction of mangrove forests and the Ngurah Rai Grand Forest Park (Tahura Ngurah Rai). The group argued that mangrove clearing and the issuance of 109 land ownership certificates in the area undermine Bali’s commitment to sustainable development and environmental protection.

The organization also demanded a comprehensive audit of permits, spatial planning compliance, land status, and ecological impacts related to both the Serangan KEK and Benoa Bay development projects. The audit, it said, should be conducted transparently and involve academics, traditional communities, and environmental organizations.

In addition, FOR HATI emphasized the importance of preserving Bali’s sacred and spiritual areas while consistently implementing the principles of Tri Hita Karana, Sad Kerthi Loka Bali, and Sat Kerthi as the foundation of regional development policies.

The forum stated that Bali remains open to environmentally responsible investments that respect local culture, protect sacred sites, and deliver tangible benefits to local communities.

Among its other demands, FOR HATI urged authorities to review and revoke 14 Building Use Rights Certificates (SHGB) issued in temple areas in Serangan and Jimbaran Hijau if they are found to violate spatial planning regulations, sacred area protections, or public interests.

The group also cited the major flooding that struck Denpasar, Badung, and Gianyar on September 10, 2025, describing it as a serious warning sign of declining environmental carrying capacity in Bali. It called for fundamental revisions to investment policies, spatial planning, and coastal development strategies.

FOR HATI further urged the government to prioritize the interests of the Balinese people in addressing issues related to the Serangan KEK project. The organization described the case as a test of whether public policy is being directed toward environmental sustainability and community welfare or toward the interests of certain groups.

The forum also reaffirmed its opposition to any proposal to increase Bali’s maximum building height limit beyond 15 meters, a regulation commonly associated with the Balinese cultural philosophy of “soring kepuh tunggul,” which aims to preserve the island’s cultural landscape.

Finally, FOR HATI called on prosecutors to conduct an open and accountable investigation into alleged violations in the planning, designation, and implementation of the Serangan Special Economic Zone. The group urged authorities to elevate the case to the formal investigation stage if sufficient preliminary evidence of criminal conduct is found.

The 10-point statement was submitted as part of ongoing public efforts to strengthen oversight of strategic development projects that may significantly affect Bali’s environment, spatial planning framework, and cultural heritage.