The Bali Provincial Government will appeal a Denpasar Administrative Court (PTUN) ruling that favoured the investor behind the proposed glass elevator at Kelingking Beach in Nusa Penida, Klungkung Regency.
Bali Governor Wayan Koster said the provincial administration would file the appeal within the 14-day deadline following the ruling. The case, registered as No. 17/G/2026/PTUN.DPS, was filed by PT Indonesia Kaishi Tourism Property Investment Development Group and was announced in early September.
“Regarding the glass elevator lawsuit, we will file an appeal, and do so immediately, as the deadline is 14 days from the ruling. We are currently drafting it, as it is rather strange that the claim was granted,” Koster said in Denpasar on Monday, as quoted by AntaraNews.
The provincial government has questioned the ruling based on the project’s Building Approval (PBG) permit. According to Koster, authorities found that the permit only covered a limited area of the development.
Bali Government Questions Project Permit
Koster said the PBG reportedly covered only five ares, or approximately 500 square metres, at the ticket booth area. Meanwhile, he said the planned vertical glass elevator structure, which he described as standing approximately 800 metres tall, reportedly did not have a PBG.
“As for the substance of how the case was won there, let that remain a matter for the judges themselves,” Koster said.
The governor also addressed concerns over the involvement of environmental experts in the previous proceedings. He said their absence should be viewed as part of the trial process and would be evaluated as the provincial government prepares its appeal.
“Well, that is part of the trial mechanism; for the appeal, drawing on the experience at the PTUN, our preparation must be more solid. There is no need to change the legal team; what is needed is the enrichment of material and broader involvement,” he added.
Before submitting the appeal, Koster said provincial officials had held discussions to assess their readiness and coordinate the next steps in the legal process.
The Speaker of the Bali Regional House of Representatives (DPRD), Dewa Made Mahayadnya, said he respected the PTUN ruling. However, he encouraged the provincial government to pursue an appeal.
“On behalf of the institution, I urge the Bali Provincial Government to consider further legal action, including an appeal,” Mahayadnya said.
He said the appeal was important in relation to regulations covering spatial planning, permits and environmental conservation.
Tourists Divided Over Kelingking Beach Elevator
The legal dispute comes as the proposed glass elevator remains a subject of debate among visitors. Kelingking Beach is known for its steep and rugged route down the cliff, with the descent requiring visitors to navigate a narrow path with handrails.
Some international tourists believe the facility could make the destination more accessible, particularly for older visitors and people who may struggle with the demanding climb.
One foreign tourist told DetikBali that a modern facility could have a positive impact if the local community supported the project and benefited from the revenue it generated.
“I think building this elevator is a good idea, provided the local community benefits from the profits generated,” the tourist said.
The visitor pointed to the steep climb back from the beach as one of the main difficulties. While the descent can be managed with the assistance of handrails, returning to the top can be physically demanding, particularly under Bali’s hot conditions.
The tourist also raised concerns about the physical risks for elderly visitors and people with existing physical limitations. Extreme exhaustion in hot weather, they said, could potentially contribute to serious health problems.
At the same time, the proposed elevator has raised concerns about its potential impact on Kelingking Beach’s natural landscape and surrounding environment.
For now, the project’s future remains tied to the legal process. Although the investor has won at the Denpasar Administrative Court, the Bali Provincial Government’s planned appeal means the dispute will continue to be considered by the courts before the project can move forward.
