DENPASAR, DEWATA.NEWS – Bali’s Regional House special committee on Spatial Planning, Assets, and Licensing (TRAP) is calling for a major shift in how permits are issued, emphasizing that licensing must function as a primary control tool for development rather than a mere administrative process.
Speaking in Denpasar on Saturday (April 11, 2026), TRAP Committee Chair Dr. (C) I Made Supartha said permits should act as an early-stage (ex-ante) control mechanism to ensure all development activities align with Bali’s spatial plans and environmental capacity.
“Licensing is not just about completing documents, but a control instrument that ensures activities comply with spatial plans and can reject projects that exceed Bali’s environmental capacity,” he said during a public discussion.
Supartha highlighted that environmental carrying capacity is often treated as a purely ecological concept, whereas it should serve as a legal parameter in decision-making. He stressed that permits must function as a selective filter to screen out developments that could harm Bali’s environment and cultural integrity.
During the forum, the committee outlined several strategic recommendations to the Bali provincial government to strengthen spatial governance.
One key proposal is the formation of a dedicated TRAP Task Force to improve coordination between government institutions and community leaders in managing spatial planning, assets, and licensing.
Another recommendation includes the development of a comprehensive Spatial and Environmental Control Action Plan, designed as a clear roadmap for land use management with defined roles across stakeholders.
The committee also proposed implementing value-based zoning regulations, particularly in tourism areas, to address increasing development pressure. This approach would allow differentiated building rules based on area characteristics while maintaining protection buffers around sacred sites.
“Protection must cover not only physical temples but also their spiritual atmosphere and surrounding landscape,” Supartha emphasized.
In addition, the committee urged stronger management of river basin areas and suggested introducing profit-sharing mechanisms as part of spatial control policies.
Lawmakers also called for a full validation of government asset data across Bali and emphasized that licensing should be used as a preventive tool grounded in local wisdom, not just an administrative service.
The recommendations further include integrating traditional Balinese spatial concepts such as Tri Mandala and Tri Wana into modern planning frameworks, ensuring a balance between development, environmental sustainability, and cultural preservation.
For international observers and investors, the move signals Bali’s intention to tighten regulatory control while maintaining long-term sustainability amid growing development pressure.