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Flurry of investments erodes Bali’s architectural identity
The government has done little to strictly impose architecture regulations, which experts suggest is due to its difficult situation in balancing economic benefits and the adverse impact on local culture.
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Devotion: A photograph by Anom Manik Agung shows a Balinese woman wading through a partially inundated temple courtyard on Lake Tamblingan. (Sanur Village Festival/Anom Manik Agung)
B
alinese architects have expressed concerns over the growing number of buildings that violate local architectural guidelines and promote illegal architectural practices, prompting the island to lose its cultural identity.
I Wayan Agus Novi Dharmawan, chairman of Indonesian Architect Association (IAI) Bali told The Jakarta Post on Feb. 18 that violations had been increasing with little to no strict measures coming from authorities to uphold local stipulations on architectural requirements on the island.
Among those regulations are the limit to building heights of no taller than 15 meters, as well as the use of traditional materials and designs.
Numerous newer buildings, however, fail to reflect Balinese architecture, such as those in Western styles, he said.
“We are losing our identity, we are in an identity crisis,” Wayan said.
Read also: Bali, the willing cash cow of national interest
Construction was the island’s fourth-largest economic growth driver last year, contributing around 9 percent of local GDP, according to Statistics Indonesia (BPS).
