KLUNGKUNG, DEWATA.NEWS – The legal representative of the investor behind the glass elevator project at Kelingking Beach, Nusa Penida, has insisted that the development should be allowed to continue, warning of significant legal claims if authorities proceed with a forced dismantling.
Gede Adi Putrawan, counsel for the investor, said the project has reached around 70 percent completion and that his client has met all licensing and administrative requirements since construction began. He cautioned that any forced demolition could result in substantial material and non-material compensation claims.
“If this project is forced to be dismantled, the compensation claims will not be small,” Gede Adi said on Monday (2 February).
He argued that his client has been treated differently compared to other properties currently under government supervision, suggesting inconsistencies in enforcement.
“We see a clear difference in how our client’s project is being handled compared to other properties. We suspect there is something behind this, and in due course, it will be revealed,” he said, while presenting documents he said showed the project’s permits were in order.
According to Gede Adi, his legal team has compiled comparative data on other developments, including projects that have already undergone inspections and those that have not, along with the resolution patterns applied by authorities.
“We have extensive comparative data on other properties and how their cases were handled. From this, irregularities in the treatment of our client’s project are evident,” he said.
He rejected allegations of regulatory violations, stating that all requirements requested by relevant agencies were fulfilled before construction began. He also questioned why the project was allowed to progress to an advanced stage before becoming an issue.
“If we are considered to be in the wrong, then who is responsible for allowing this project to proceed until it reached 70 percent completion? All permits were obtained from the start,” he said.
Gede Adi warned that if there is no legal certainty allowing the project to continue, his client is prepared to pursue legal action over what they view as unfair treatment.
“If there is no certainty for this project to proceed, then those involved must consider who will be held accountable for our material and immaterial losses,” he added.
Previously, Bali Governor Wayan Koster ordered the dismantling of the glass elevator project at Kelingking Beach. The developer was given six months to independently remove all structures related to the project, which is valued at around IDR 200 billion.
The provincial government has stated it will issue three formal warning letters. If the developer fails to carry out the dismantling within the specified timeframe, the demolition will be taken over by the Bali Provincial Government in coordination with the Klungkung Regency administration.
In addition, the governor has required the developer to restore the spatial function and environmental condition of the Kelingking cliff area within three months after the dismantling process is completed.