BNEWSID– The central government and the Bali Provincial Government have officially joined hands to eradicate uninhabitable homes (RTLH) across the island. Bali Governor Wayan Koster and Deputy Minister of Housing and Settlement, Fahri Hamzah, announced that all RTLH in Bali are expected to be resolved no later than 2029, with implementation beginning in 2026.

During Fahri Hamzah’s working visit to Gedung Kertha Sabha, Denpasar, on Friday (Oct 3), both parties agreed that tackling RTLH, slum areas, and urban–rural spatial planning must be prioritized to align with the national vision of Indonesia Emas 2045. Current data shows that Bali has 33,086 uninhabitable homes, with the highest concentration in Karangasem Regency.

“The state budget will cover more than 12,000 units, while the provincial government will provide Special Financial Assistance (BKK) to six regencies with weak fiscal capacity. Local governments are also required to allocate funds from their regional budgets, complemented by CSR contributions and civil servants’ community support. With this scheme, we are optimistic that RTLH in Bali will be resolved by 2029,” said Koster.

Koster also reported on Bali’s recovery after the massive floods caused by the heaviest rainfall in the past 70 years. He confirmed that damaged houses have been restored, roads and bridges repaired, and four major rivers will undergo reforestation and restructuring. “Disaster mitigation must be strengthened to prevent similar incidents in the future,” he stressed.

Despite positive achievements such as Bali having the lowest poverty and unemployment rates in Indonesia and ranking fifth nationally in the Human Development Index (HDI), Koster acknowledged ongoing challenges. These include fiscal inequality between regions, annual land conversion of up to 700 hectares, waste management issues, and traffic congestion due to the surge in tourism.

“Tourism contributes 66 percent of Bali’s economy, yet it remains highly vulnerable to disasters and security issues. That is why we are designing an economic transformation strategy so that Bali can remain resilient, with or without tourism,” Koster explained.

Meanwhile, Deputy Minister Fahri Hamzah described Bali as both the heart of Indonesia’s economic growth and the nation’s showcase to the world. He emphasized that housing and settlement standards in Bali must meet international benchmarks. “With 6.5 million foreign tourists, Bali represents the face of Indonesia. Its housing and settlement designs must be modern, hygienic, and integrated, while still honoring local culture,” he said.

He added that the ministry targets the renovation of 400,000 homes nationwide, potentially reaching up to one million. In Bali, the focus will be on eliminating uninhabitable homes starting in 2026 and revitalizing 12 km² of slum areas along rivers and coastal zones.

“The coastal areas of Bali must shine like the Maldives, becoming modern fishing villages that are hygienic and tourist-friendly,” Fahri remarked.

He also highlighted the importance of two- to three-story housing as an affordable urban housing solution without sacrificing fertile land. “We will respect Bali’s cultural rules on building height, but vertical housing can be adjusted for subsidized housing programs,” he explained.

Closing the meeting, Koster reiterated his long-term vision outlined in Bali’s 100-Year Development Plan, which regulates land-use conversion, limits on foreign tourist numbers, and land consolidation in densely populated areas. “If housing allocations can be increased by 2026, we are confident that RTLH in Karangasem, Gianyar, Jembrana, and Bangli can be resolved sooner. Bali must become Indonesia’s finest face to the world,” he concluded.