Bali Council Pushes for Regulation to Limit Foreign Land Purchases
The chairman of Bali's DPRD Commission II, Agung Bagus Pratiksa Linggih, has called for regulations limiting land purchases by foreign nationals (WNA) in Bali, citing concerns that high foreign purchasing power is driving up land prices and pricing out local residents. He proposed a zoning system, similar to those in Dubai and Barcelona, to restrict where foreign investment (PMA) can acquire land use rights, though the policy is still under study.
On September 4, 2026, Agung Bagus Pratiksa Linggih, chairman of Commission II of the Bali Provincial Legislative Council (DPRD Bali), spoke at Rumah KAKEK in Denpasar, calling for regulation to limit land purchases by foreign nationals (WNA) in Bali. He said policy action is needed, whether at the central or regional government level.
According to Linggih, foreign nationals' purchasing power is far higher than that of local residents, which drives up land prices and makes it increasingly difficult for locals to buy land. He also chairs the Bali chapter of the Indonesian Young Entrepreneurs Association (HIPMI).
He proposed introducing a zoning system to designate specific areas where foreign investment (PMA) could be used to acquire land, arguing that not all land in Bali should be available for foreign leasing or building-use rights (HGB). Certain areas, he said, need to be protected for local communities.
Citing Dubai and Barcelona as examples of tourist destinations that have already implemented restrictions on foreign property ownership, Linggih argued Bali should adopt similar regulations to protect its residents.
When asked whether such rules could be enacted through a provincial governor's regulation or a regional bylaw, or whether central government authority would be required, Linggih said the matter is still being studied. "I don't know yet — I need to learn and coordinate with the Legal Bureau on this," he said. As of now, the proposal remains under discussion, with no concrete timeline for implementation.
Things to Consider
As this is currently only a proposal under discussion and not yet enacted regulation, foreign nationals planning to purchase land or acquire building-use rights (HGB) in Bali should closely monitor developments from both provincial and central government. Before signing any contracts or making investments, consult a local lawyer or notary (notaris) to confirm the current regulatory status and discuss potential implications if zoning restrictions are introduced. Existing property owners are unlikely to face retroactive effects for now, but should continue tracking future legal changes.
Source: Diksimerdeka.com