Villa in Pejarakan Forest at Risk of Demolition, Managers Appeal to Buleleng DPRD
The managers of the Kubu Bali Menjangan nature tourism site in Pejarakan Village appealed to Buleleng DPRD Chairman Ketut Ngurah Arya on Tuesday (21/4/2026). They came together with residents of Pejarakan Village, Gerokgak Subdistrict, to voice their aspirations regarding the recommendations of Bali DPRD’s Special Committee on Spatial Planning, Assets, and Permits (TRAP) concerning the enforcement of buildings in the village forest area.
Developer Ketut Danu stated that the project, which he has been working on from the start, embraces an eco-tourism concept. He claimed that socialisation had been conducted with the surrounding community, particularly those directly affected.
“From the beginning, we have socialised it to the local community. Those directly impacted strongly agree,” said Danu.
Danu mentioned that they had also approached residents who objected to engage in discussions. According to him, the space for dialogue was opened so that the development of the village forest area could proceed alongside the community.
He emphasised that the construction of the accommodation is intended to create job opportunities and stimulate the local economy. “Our hope is to increase income for the community, the village, and the region through taxes,” he said.
Danu revealed that the land used is around 0.5 hectares. However, the built-up area is only 3 to 4 ares. He claimed that the land is not productive for agriculture because it is rocky and has limited water sources.
“It has been checked by PUPR, the police, and the Forestry Service. The land is indeed unproductive and has water difficulties,” he explained.
Regarding legality, Danu acknowledged that permitting is one of the issues being questioned. Nevertheless, he stated that the management is carried out through cooperation with the Village Forest Management Institution (LPHD), which has a legal basis from the ministry.
“Yes, permitting might be the issue,” he added.
On the other hand, opposition to the project has also emerged. Danu suspects that the opposition comes from fellow tourism business operators in the area.
“Those opposing are also friends who own homestay businesses. Perhaps there is concern about competition,” he said.
Buleleng DPRD Chairman Ketut Ngurah Arya said that they directly received these aspirations as a form of responsibility towards issues in the western Buleleng region. He assessed that the purpose of village forest management for the community’s economic interests is the right step.
“The concept is already correct, how the forest can be utilised for the surrounding community’s economy,” said Arya.
However, he also highlighted the permitting issue, which he deemed needs to be addressed. According to him, delays in processing permits can still be tolerated as long as the management concept and forest preservation are running well. Arya emphasised that village forest management based on eco-tourism must still prioritise principles of protection and preservation. He also appreciated the management group’s efforts, which reportedly have involved tree planting in the area.
“If the concept is to protect the forest while providing economic benefits, that must be supported,” he asserted.
Nevertheless, Arya clarified that the DPRD does not have the authority to decide, but only to provide input. He stated that the authority for forest management lies with the provincial government.
“We can only bridge and encourage communication with relevant parties,” he said.
Previously, Bali DPRD’s TRAP Special Committee recommended the closure and demolition of several villa buildings in the Pejarakan Village forest area. The recommendation arose after discovering buildings without permits that were deemed to violate spatial planning.