TABANAN, DEWATA.NEWS – Farmers and local business owners in the Jatiluwih UNESCO World Cultural Heritage area staged a symbolic protest this week following the recent sealing of several structures by the Bali Provincial Government and Tabanan Regency. The sealing was carried out as part of ongoing enforcement against buildings deemed to violate protected agricultural zoning.
On Thursday, 4 December 2025, residents installed sheets of metal roofing (seng) across privately owned rice fields within the Jatiluwih Tourism Area. The metal sheets were intentionally placed to disrupt the visual landscape, an action meant to express dissatisfaction with the sealing of farm huts and small tourism-related structures.
The unusual scene drew attention from visiting tourists. According to information from local residents, more farmers are expected to join the demonstration by placing similar metal sheets on their land as a show of solidarity.
Many building owners argue that the enforcement appears inconsistent. They acknowledged receiving official warning letters (SP1–SP3), but said they had also submitted a collective request for land reclassification (LSD release) to the Ministry of Agrarian Affairs and Spatial Planning on 27 August 2025, shortly after receiving SP2 on 17 July.
However, they claim that authorities proceeded with sealing before the ministry issued any response.
“Some of us only received SP3 yesterday and even this morning. We are simply asking the government not to close down tourism accommodation that has already been built,” one farmer said. They also urged the government to avoid selective enforcement.
I Nengah Darmika Yasa, also known as Pak Yogi, whose small eatery was sealed, said the installation of metal sheets was not meant as a protest but as a way to “protect” Jatiluwih’s heritage status.
“This is not a demonstration. It is a form of preservation. We are being labeled online as environmental destroyers. What environment have we damaged?” he asked.
Yogi stated that he built his warung on his own land and pays both restaurant tax and land tax, yet receives no compensation when closures occur.
“As farmers, we also want to benefit from tourism in our own village. If we depend only on farming, how much can we earn?” he added. He described the sealing as abrupt, noting that he had just received SP3 on the morning of 4 December.
He also claimed to have submitted a request to the ministry to release only the portion of his land used for construction from the protected Lahan Sawah Dilindungi (LSD) designation. “The recommendation has not come out yet. We heard it is still at the regency office,” he said.
Yogi further questioned why enforcement seemed to focus only on Jatiluwih. “If this is about World Heritage, it’s not only Jatiluwih. There are many violations elsewhere. If we’re not allowed to open our warung, then just close Jatiluwih,” he said.
Another building owner, I Wayan Subadra, said he was unsure which areas were officially designated as green zones. He requested that the government clearly explain the zoning boundaries. Subadra said he built his warung and home in 2010, before Jatiluwih was officially recognized as a World Heritage Site.
“If this is closed, where will I live? I built this with my son so he wouldn’t have to leave the village for work,” he said.
He urged the government to allow existing buildings to remain while setting new rules only for future construction. “That would prevent ongoing conflict like this,” he said.
Responding to the situation, Tabanan Regional Secretary Gede Susila said the action by residents represents a form of public expression.
“We will listen and respond wisely, both at the regency and provincial levels,” he stated briefly. Authorities have not yet indicated whether the sealing orders will be reconsidered.