48 Are Land in Klungkung Subdivided into Plots Despite Unresolved Permits, Subak Protests
Subak Jero Kuta, Desa Adat Sangkan Buana, Kelurahan Semarapura Kauh, Kecamatan Klungkung, Kabupaten Klungkung, Bali, is protesting a developer’s plan to change the function of land in its area. In addition to disrupting the main irrigation channel, there are concerns that land conversion will become even more widespread in the future.
“The developer has already advertised the sale of this land as subdivided plots on Facebook. However, there is no permit for land conversion yet. This is productive land; it was recently harvested,” said the head of Subak Jero Kuta, Wayan Swastika, to the media on Thursday (16/4/2026).
Swastika said he had requested clarification from the developer regarding the permits. However, he only received an explanation that the permit is still in process.
However, the explanation from the developer was not sufficient, so Swastika then contacted the Klungkung Agriculture Office to confirm the permit application process. He did the same with the Klungkung Public Works, Spatial Planning, Housing, and Settlement Area Office (PUPRPKP).
“Actually, it’s not just about the permit, but if the permit is issued for this, it will definitely expand later. Then, if a bridge is built over this main irrigation channel, it will certainly be disrupted,” he explained.
Further, Swastika explained that from the beginning, the subak members had made regulations prohibiting the conversion of productive land into settlements. This is excepted for local residents who wish to build personal homes.
“That’s a maximum of two are. Not subdivided like this,” he clarified.
The next step, Swastika will coordinate with the Klungkung Regency Government (Pemkab). Both the Agriculture Office and the PUPRPKP Office that handle such matters.
He hopes that regulations on land conversion from food agriculture to settlements can be enforced.
Meanwhile, the developer’s representative, Made Suyasa, confirmed that his side has been marketing the 48 are land through social media amid the permit processing. The land is offered at a price of Rp 250 million per are.
“Currently, we are processing the permits. The current process is measurement by the National Land Agency (BPN),” Suyasa explained.
In addition, he also claimed to have coordinated with Subak Jero Kuta. According to him, the subak gave permission with the condition of ensuring the irrigation channel is not disrupted.
“And we ensure that by building a bridge for the access road. On the side, we also prepare an area of about half a metre for irrigation access, and 4 to 4.5 metres for road access,” he stated.