Overview

• Governor Wayan Koster instructed regents and mayors to stop issuing new permits for developments on undeveloped areas and productive agricultural land.
• The pause is indefinite, with enforcement, duration and any exemptions—such as already approved projects—still being worked out.
• Indonesia’s environment minister endorsed the policy, saying the Ayung River Basin has lost about 97% of its forest cover to development.
• Flash floods on 9–10 September killed at least 18 people, left four missing and displaced hundreds, as crews continue removing roughly 210 tonnes of debris.
• Local authorities are preparing bylaws and longer-term land-conversion rules, with reporting indicating they may be in place by the end of 2025.