Is Bali’s building code a model for sustainable development?

Bali, known as the "Island of the Gods" has a booming tourist industry, but it raises a crucial question for the construction industry - can the two co-exist without sacrificing the very essence of the place? The short answer is yes with Bali offering a compelling case study, showcasing how the construction industry can work alongside this popular tourist destination – and others across the world - in a sympathetic way, writes John Ridgeway.

The island has a unique building code - and with its focus on respecting the environment and local traditions, it provides valuable lessons for tourist hotspots everywhere. The cornerstone of Bali's building code is Province Regional Regulation (Perda). This regulation mandates that no building can exceed the height of a coconut tree, roughly 15 metres. This strict regulation, deeply rooted in traditional Balinese customs, has been in effect since 2009 and is a core component of the Bali Province Regional Spatial Planning Plan (2009-2029).

The 15-metre height restriction discourages the construction of towering hotels and resorts that would dominate the natural landscape. Instead, it encourages development that integrates seamlessly with the environment, maintaining the island's charm and visual appeal. This approach reflects the ancient Balinese Hindu principle of Tri Hita Karana, which emphasises harmony between humans, nature and the spiritual realm.

While the legislation is strict, it does allow for exceptions in specific cases. Public buildings requiring additional height, such as communication towers, high-voltage electricity poles, and lighthouses, can be constructed beyond the 15-metre limit. Religious structures, aviation safety buildings and defence installations are also considered exceptions.

This principle guides all architectural styles and tourism developments in Bali. Buildings are designed to respect the natural surroundings, incorporating traditional materials and aesthetics that blend with the landscape. This focus on harmony between built and natural environments contributes significantly to Bali's unique character.

The challenges

Despite the positive impact of the building code, challenges remain. Some existing hotels and resorts exceed the 15-metre limit, highlighting the need for stricter enforcement and potential retrofitting measures. Additionally, with increasing tourist demand and the government's desire for international investment, the pressure to build larger resorts and hotels has intensified.

This pressure has sparked conflicts, as seen in the recent case of Seseh, an emerging tourist destination near Canggu. A planned large-scale resort development on the beachfront faced strong opposition from the local community. The petition against the project gained significant online traction, ultimately leading the international investors to put the project on hold. This incident highlights the growing public awareness and concern for protecting Bali's natural beauty and cultural heritage from unchecked development.

All this means that Bali's building code is quite unique in its strictness and its deep connection to local cultural values - and it has started a trend. It would now seem that there are other destinations around the world exploring similar approaches.

Strict building codes in the Greek island of Santorini, limit building heights and mandate whitewashed facades, preserving the island's iconic aesthetic. Bhutan prioritises “Gross National Happiness” over “Gross Domestic Product.” Building codes emphasise traditional architecture and limit development in environmentally sensitive areas. In the Maldives, strict regulations limit resort construction to specific areas and mandate the use of sustainable building materials to protect the fragile coral reefs.

The success of Bali's building code hinges on its continued enforcement, public awareness, and the government's ability to navigate the delicate balance between tourism development and cultural preservation. However, while Bali's building code offers a compelling case for sustainable tourism development – and while we can see that it has been copied in a few parts of the world - replicating its success in most other destinations presents several challenges.

Bali's cultural values and its specific landscape, dominated by coconut trees, effectively set the 15-metre height restriction. Applying this exact standard to other destinations with different ecosystems and cultural contexts might not be as effective.

Tourism is a significant economic driver for Bali, but other developing economies with a strong dependence on tourism might find it difficult to resist the lure of large-scale development projects, even if they come at the cost of environmental degradation. Striking a balance between economic needs and environmental protection is crucial.

Effective enforcement is also essential for the success of any building code and corruption, lack of resources and political pressures can hinder these efforts. Building a strong and transparent legal framework coupled with robust enforcement mechanisms is critical.

Furthermore, public awareness and active community participation are vital. As seen in the Seseh case, local communities have a strong voice in protecting their environments and cultural heritage. Open communication and collaboration between developers, authorities, and local communities are essential for this kind of sustainable development.

Alternatives and considerations

For countries unwilling to embrace the Bali experience, there are alternatives. Dividing land into designated zones with specific development restrictions, for example, allows for controlled tourism growth. Sensitive ecological areas could be entirely off-limits to development, while other zones might allow for low-density, eco-friendly tourism projects.

Encouraging the use of sustainable building materials and practices can also significantly reduce the environmental impact of tourism development. This could involve promoting energy-efficient buildings, by utilising renewable resources like solar power and minimising waste generation.

All this means that Bali's building code serves as a valuable starting point for discussions on sustainable tourism development. While its direct application might not be universally feasible, it offers several key takeaways.

We can now see that achieving harmony between tourism development, environmental protection and cultural preservation is crucial for long-term sustainability. Local communities must also be active participants in shaping the future of tourism in their areas.

That said, finding a balance between economic growth and environmental protection requires careful planning and policy implementation. Building codes and tourism development strategies need to be continuously evaluated and adapted to address evolving challenges and opportunities.

By adopting a holistic approach that considers the environmental, cultural and economic aspects of tourism, destinations can create experiences that are both enriching for tourists and sustainable for local communities and ecosystems. Bali's building code, with its limitations and strengths, serves as a reminder that a more conscious approach to tourism development is not only possible, but essential for the future of the industry.