Badung Cracks Down on Illegal Structures as Three Businesses on Sidewalks Are Demolished

The crackdown on illegal structures in Badung has once again grabbed public attention after authorities demolished three buildings erected on a sidewalk along Jalan Teuku Umar Barat, Kerobokan Kelod, Badung, Bali. Far from being abandoned structures, all three were actively being used for business. The Badung Civil Service Police Unit (Satpol PP), together with the Badung Environmental and Sanitation Agency (DLHK), stepped in to clear the site.

Three Businesses Found Operating on a Public Sidewalk

At first glance, the area appeared to be just another corner of Badung buzzing with everyday economic activity. There was a food stall, a saddle repair shop, and a small business selling second-hand clothing.

However, the structures were built on public pedestrian facilities, turning what should have been a space for people to walk into makeshift commercial premises. That quickly caught the attention of the local government. Sidewalks are public facilities designed for pedestrians, not private business operations or permanent structures.

The demolition was carried out by the Badung Satpol PP in coordination with the Badung Environmental and Sanitation Agency (DLHK). Head of Badung Satpol PP I Gusti Agung Ketut Suryanegara said his team moved swiftly with DLHK to dismantle the structures and clean up the remaining debris. The operation did not stop at demolition. Officers also removed construction materials and debris from the site so the area could be restored to its proper public function.

It All Started With a Discovery by the Badung Regent

The crackdown began after Badung Regent I Wayan Adi Arnawa discovered the structures occupying public facilities while inspecting a car-free day (CFD) event in the area. The finding was immediately followed up by the local authorities. In the end, all three structures standing along the sidewalk were removed.

The incident serves as a timely reminder that running a business is not simply about finding a busy or strategic location. Business owners also need to understand whether the land and premises they use comply with applicable regulations.

A crowded location may look like a golden business opportunity, but that does not mean every available space can legally be turned into a commercial site. Especially when that space belongs to the public.

Satpol PP Takes a Human-Centered Approach

Despite carrying out the demolition, Badung Satpol PP said the operation was not conducted through a purely punitive approach. Authorities emphasized a persuasive and human-centered method. Business owners were given an opportunity to retrieve their personal belongings and business equipment before the structures were dismantled.

During the operation, officers also encountered one of the structure owners at the location. The owner will be summoned to the Badung Satpol PP office to provide an explanation and clarification regarding the violation.

The individual will also undergo a guidance and administrative process. Meanwhile, the other two owners were not present when the operation took place. Satpol PP said it would follow up to locate and contact them.

Violators Could Face Legal Sanctions

The Badung Regency Government has also warned that there are legal consequences for anyone who continues to construct buildings on public facilities. The violation may be subject to sanctions under Badung Regency Regulation No. 7 of 2016 concerning Public Order, Public Safety, and Community Protection.

And the consequences are far from trivial. Violators may face a misdemeanor penalty of up to IDR 25 million or imprisonment for a maximum of three months. For business owners and investors, this regulation should serve as a serious wake-up call. A promising business venture can quickly turn into a legal headache when land status, building permits, and business licenses are not properly checked from the very beginning.

Don't Choose a Business Location Carelessly

The case offers a simple but important lesson: choosing a business location is about much more than finding somewhere busy, popular, or strategically positioned. Before constructing a building or opening a business, you need to make sure the land status, zoning designation, building permits, and business licenses are all in order.

It may seem like a small administrative step, but getting it right from the start can save your business from much bigger problems down the road. For investors looking to develop property or establish a business in Bali, however, navigating the process can feel overwhelming.

There are documents to prepare, regulations to verify, permits to obtain, and administrative procedures that cannot simply be brushed aside. This is where professional assistance can make a real difference.

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The Crackdown Sends a Clear Message to Business Owners

Ultimately, the crackdown on illegal structures in Badung is about far more than three buildings being demolished. It sends a much bigger message: Bali's rapidly growing business and property sectors must continue to move forward while respecting zoning regulations, legal requirements, environmental standards, and the interests of the wider community.

The Badung Government has urged business owners, both local residents and newcomers, to avoid using public facilities as private commercial spaces. Business owners are also encouraged to contribute to cleaner and more attractive surroundings by providing proper waste bins, planting shade trees, or creating landscaped areas where appropriate.

So, before your business takes off at full speed, make sure its foundation is solid. Don't get so caught up chasing revenue that you overlook the most important question of all: is your business location actually legal and compliant with the rules? Because when it comes to property and investment in Bali, doing things right from the beginning isn't just smart, it can save you from a world of trouble later.