Concerns voiced over erosion of Bali's architectural identity

Balinese architects have expressed concerns over the growing number of buildings that violate local architectural guidelines and promote illegal architectural practices, prompting the island to lose its cultural identity.

I Wayan Agus Novi Dharmawan, chairman of Indonesian Institute of Architects (IAI) Bali, said that violations had been increasing with little to no strict measures coming from authorities to uphold local stipulations on architectural requirements on the island.

Among those regulations are the limit to building heights of no taller than 15 meters, as well as the use of traditional materials and designs.

Numerous newer buildings, however, fail to reflect Balinese architecture, such as those in Western styles, he said.

"We are losing our identity, we are in an identity crisis," Wayan said.

Construction was the island's fourth-largest economic growth driver last year, contributing around 9 percent of local GDP, according to Statistics Indonesia.

I Nyoman Gede Maha Putra, architecture lecturer and researcher at the Warmadewa University, said that the growing property sector in Bali had contributed to the new architecture designs that cater to the increasing market demands in the resort island.

These include architectural designs that contravene local rules across the island, reaching into the mountains, rice fields and beaches, he said.

He said that enforcement may have been lacking as the local government finds itself in a difficult situation, particularly in balancing the economic benefits and their impact on the local culture.

"If (the illegal practices) are prohibited, then investment might dry up. If they are allowed, then just like now, Bali's architectural landscape will be destroyed," he said.

A growing property sector in Bali would benefit local construction businesses and the economy, he said, but such development should still consider specific aspects, particularly Bali's climate, topography, nature and culture, as well as local livelihoods.

Gathi Subekti, design director at architecture and design firm Arkana Architects, said the investment boost in Bali had often led authorities to compromise on land zoning and other regulatory aspects to accommodate investments, leading to overdevelopment on an island that is famous for its natural landscape.

In some areas, construction was done with "as many buildings as possible", while not allocating enough space for watershed, which violated spatial planning regulations, she said, adding others installed modern glass buildings and flat roofs that were unsuitable for Bali's tropical climate.

She acknowledged that the investments in Bali had contributed significantly to local businesses, but she warned architects to avoid being "part of the problem", suggesting that projects be filtered to ensure alignment with Bali's architectural context and environment.

Stricter laws required

Wayan from IAI Bali has called for the government to be stricter in upholding the prevailing regulations and to take firm action against illegal architects working on the island.

He has expressed frustration over many cases of architects without licenses and yet still being able to market and promote themselves as "the best architects in Bali", which is also a violation of ethics and conduct for local architects.

The association has conducted multiple discussions with the local government, such as with the manpower agencies and the immigration authorities in Bali, but no progress has been made following their meetings.

Bambang Eryudhawan, chairman of the Indonesian Architect Council, or DAI, said the council was ready to provide support and had been speaking to the government for the past two years on the issue.

He said the government had responded positively to its report. However, progress has been slow amid fast-paced expansion of Bali's architecture sector.

"We want assertiveness (from the local government) and we will be glad to accept legal foreign workers to partner with Indonesians," he said, adding he called for the authorities to improve oversight regarding these practices and violations.

Ida Bagus Setiawan, head of a manpower agency in Bali, said the department had taken action on the association's report by conducting checks to identify illegal practices, while adding that "the findings of illegal practices could be further reported to immigration for visa use violations".

He said the challenge in identifying illegal practices was that the process of overseeing companies or recruiters of foreign workers also involved departments at the regency level where these businesses operate.

"There needs to be synergy between the IAI and the DAI, manpower agencies at the regency and provincial levels, as well as with Bali's immigration office to tackle the issue of illegal architects in Bali," Setiawan concluded.

Bali's public works and spatial planning agency did not immediately respond to a request for comments.

Meanwhile, the island's tourism agency head Tjok Bagus Pemayun said he hoped the government could pay attention to this matter, noting that "Bali's uniqueness is in its culture… including its buildings".

In the tourism sector, he said many buildings, such as hotels and restaurants, are built in modern style, but most of them still incorporate Balinese architectural ornamentation.

However, he expressed concern that "Bali's character is no longer reflected in its architecture", citing the diminishing Balinese architectural forms in buildings, especially those in urban areas.

The Jakarta Post, Indonesia