B

ali’s Governor, regents and Denpasar’s Mayor squared off at a public forum on Sunday to discuss a controversial provincial bylaw to keep development away from temples and sacred spaces.

Governor Made Mangku Pastika, scholars, environmental activists and religious leaders all came out to support full implementation of the bylaw at the meeting, while the island’s seven regents, Denpasar’s mayor and the people of Pecatu village demanded that the bylaw be revised.

The gathering was convened by Pastika following weeks of heated polemics in local newspapers that at one point labeled the regents and mayor as “rebels” who had succumbed to investors and abandoned the long-term interests of the island and the Balinese people.

“We need to gather as much input as possible on this matter. This meeting will provide a platform for everyone to have an opportunity to voice their opinions. I myself will act as a good listener,” Pastika said as he opened the gathering.

He kept his promise, remaining silent throughout the six hour meeting.

Two contentious points of the bylaw concerned sacred zones and penalties for buildings constructed in violation the bylaw.

The bylaw defined sacred zones using part of the island’s Parisadha Hindu council’s 1994 bhisama (sacred decree), which was issued in response to a public uproar over the construction of the Bali Nirwana Resort near Tanah Lot temple.

The decree created a sacred zone around temples, prohibiting the construction of tourism facilities within 5 kilometers of major temples such as Sad Kahyangan and Besakih and within 2 kilometers of minor temples.

The second article would oblige provincial and regency administrations to take firm measures against buildings that violate the bylaw, including structures built before the enactment of the bylaw.

The controversy was triggered by Pastika’s letter to Badung regent AA Gede Agung, asking for action to be taken against 20 villas inside the sacred zone of Uluwatu temple in Pecatu village.

Strained responses followed after Pastika asked for an “adjustment”, something which the regent and Pecatu residents interpreted to mean the demolition of the villas.

Throughout the meeting, the regents and Denpasar’s mayor repeatedly said that the bylaw, which they supported, also needed revision.

“Full implementation of the five-kilometer sacred zone will rob the people of Pecatu, and other areas in Bali, from opportunities to develop their areas into tourist sites that will bring them economic prosperity.