BALINEWSID.COM, DENPASAR — Efforts to promote a more equitable, sustainable, and locally grounded spatial planning system in Bali continue to gain momentum. The Ikatan Wartawan Online (IWO) Bali, in collaboration with the Faculty of Social and Political Sciences, Warmadewa University, played a strategic role by hosting a public discussion titled “Who Controls Bali’s Spatial Planning: Government or Investors?” at the Merdeka Building of Warmadewa College on Saturday (April 11, 2026).

The event served as a dynamic forum that brought together a wide range of stakeholders, including legislators, academics, government representatives, students, and journalist organizations. Prominent national and regional figures attended the discussion, such as I Nyoman Parta, a member of Commission II of the Indonesian House of Representatives; I Made Supartha, Chairman of the Special Committee (Pansus) on Spatial Planning (TRAP) of the Bali Regional House of Representatives (DPRD); Somvir, Deputy Secretary of the same committee; academic I Wayan Rideng; and I Made Herman Susanto from the Bali Regional Office of the National Land Agency (BPN).

Active participation from students of Warmadewa University, Udayana University, as well as various government stakeholders, spatial planning observers, activists, and journalist groups, reflected the high level of public concern over increasingly complex spatial planning issues on the island.

The discussion not only functioned as a platform for exchanging ideas but also underscored the urgency of formulating spatial policies that prioritize public interest while accommodating economic development needs.

Supartha emphasized that spatial planning issues cannot be borne by a single party alone. He highlighted the importance of cross-sector collaboration to maintain a balance between development and the preservation of Bali’s environment and cultural heritage.

“Spatial planning cannot be the sole responsibility of the government. All stakeholders must be involved in safeguarding Bali’s strategic spaces,” he stated.

According to Supartha, Bali’s development philosophy is unique, rooted in harmony between humans, nature, and culture. This principle, he stressed, must remain the foundation of all development policies. However, he acknowledged that the implementation of existing regulations still faces significant challenges on the ground.

In terms of land use, the TRAP Special Committee of the Bali DPRD is pushing for stricter control over development, including limiting horizontal expansion that risks reducing productive land and open spaces. Vertical development, meanwhile, should be directed in a way that respects Bali’s cultural values and local wisdom.

The issue of land control by investors also emerged as a critical concern. Supartha revealed indications of large-scale land acquisition by certain parties, which could threaten the spatial sovereignty of local communities.

“There are indications that a single party can control tens of hectares of land. We must not become guests in our own home,” he warned.

As a concrete step, the committee is currently coordinating with the National Land Agency to evaluate land statuses, including Building Use Rights (HGB) that are either not utilized according to their designated purposes or are suspected of being abandoned.

“If land is not used as intended, it must be returned as a state asset. It belongs to the people,” he asserted.

Meanwhile, Parta highlighted the rapid pace of infrastructure development, particularly in the tourism sector, which he said is placing significant pressure on Bali’s environment.

He warned that uncontrolled tourism growth could threaten the island’s sustainability as a global destination. As a small island, Bali has limited carrying capacity that must be carefully considered.

“Bali, known as a paradise, is facing serious pressure due to excessive tourism infrastructure development,” he said.

Parta stressed the importance of setting clear limits on development capacity and tourist numbers to maintain a balance between economic growth, environmental sustainability, and socio-cultural integrity. Without proper control, Bali risks environmental degradation and the loss of its cultural identity.

During the forum, he also proposed a development moratorium policy as an evaluative step in Bali’s spatial planning. According to him, a moratorium does not mean halting development entirely, but rather creating space for reflection and recalculation of the island’s capacity.

“A moratorium is not about stopping, but about pausing to reflect and reassess Bali’s capacity as a small island,” he concluded.

The discussion initiated by IWO Bali and Warmadewa University highlights the importance of synergy between media, academia, and policymakers in addressing strategic regional issues. The role of journalists extends beyond delivering information—they also act as drivers of constructive public discourse.

Through forums like this, it is hoped that more comprehensive and equitable policy recommendations will emerge, ensuring that Bali remains sustainable amid the rapid flow of investment and development. This growing synergy is a crucial foundation for ensuring that spatial planning in Bali benefits not just a few, but truly serves the broader community and future generations.