Why Are People Still Building Businesses on the Beaches of the Gili Islands – A Marine Park Under Threat?

Why Are People Still Building Businesses on the Beaches of the Gili Islands?

Gili Air | The Old Days

The Gili Islands—Gili Trawangan, Gili Meno, and Gili Air—are known around the world for their turquoise waters, white sandy beaches, and thriving coral reefs. Tourists flock here to snorkel with turtles, dive into vibrant underwater landscapes, and enjoy the unique, car-free charm of these small Indonesian islands. But behind the postcard beauty lies a growing concern—one that threatens the very foundation of this tropical paradise.

Despite being part of the Gili Matra Marine Park, where strict conservation laws are in place, there has been a troubling resurgence of construction along the beach. Permanent structures are rising where they shouldn’t be—on land that is legally protected, environmentally sensitive, and officially designated as conservation land.

Marine Park vs. Development: A Contradiction in Practice

The Gili Islands’ designation as a marine park was meant to protect their ecological integrity. That includes not only the ocean and coral reefs but also the beaches—critical nesting grounds for sea turtles and buffer zones that absorb the natural forces of tides and storms.

When the marine park status was declared, all land on the Gili Islands was designated as conservation land. This made perfect sense. How can a place be called a marine park if it permits activities that actively degrade the marine environment?

In 2018, the Indonesian government stepped in. After years of warnings and ignored regulations, they took decisive action: all illegal permanent structures on the beaches were removed. Bars, restaurants, beach walls, billboards, and concrete foundations were torn down. The beach was to return to its natural state and only temporary structures, such as tents, beanbags, or shade sails, would be tolerated.

It was a clear and powerful statement: no more fixed buildings on the beach.

The Post-COVID Boom: A Step Backwards

During the COVID-19 pandemic, tourism stopped. Businesses struggled, and many closed. But as borders reopened and the world began to travel again, the Gili Islands became attractive once more—not just to tourists but to investors.

Unfortunately, many of these new investors have chosen to ignore marine park regulations. Slowly, quietly at first—and then more boldly—concrete and permanent wooden buildings began to appear on the beaches again. Restaurants extended dining areas over the sand. Walls were built to claim space and stop erosion caused by their very own illegal construction. And with each new structure, the integrity of the marine park is compromised.

Why Does Oceans 5 Gili Air Speak Out?

As a dive center deeply connected to the ocean, Oceans 5 Gili Air has always been vocal about the importance of marine conservation. Since its founding in 2010, Oceans 5 has not only followed the rules but also integrated conservation into every aspect of its operation—from organizing weekly beach cleanups to running eco-focused Divemaster and Instructor courses. So why is Oceans 5 so opposed to this unchecked beach development?

Because it affects the entire ecosystem and threatens the island’s long-term future:

• Wastewater runoff and higher pH levels: More permanent buildings mean more plumbing, more toilets, more kitchens—without proper waste management infrastructure. This increases the release of wastewater into the ocean, which damages coral reefs and alters the pH balance, making it harder for marine life to survive.

• Reduced turtle nesting: Sea turtles rely on undisturbed beaches to lay their eggs. Concrete walls, beach lights, and human activity prevent them from coming ashore. Over time, the turtle population declines, and with it, a major attraction for snorkelers and nature lovers.

• Fish populations decrease: Coral degradation, increased sedimentation, and changes in water chemistry lead to fewer fish, affecting both biodiversity and the livelihood of dive centers and snorkeling operators.

• Beach erosion increases: Natural beaches shift and reshape over time. Permanent structures interfere with these processes, causing erosion that requires even more damaging interventions, like seawalls or sandbags, which only accelerate the problem.

Short-Term Profits, Long-Term Damage

The businesses building illegally on the beach may turn a quick profit—sunset views, beach cocktails, and lounge seating are easy to market. But what they fail to recognize is that they are biting the hand that feeds them. The Gili Islands are famous because of their marine environment. It’s not the cement bar on the sand that attracts tourists—it’s the chance to swim with turtles, to dive on healthy reefs, to snorkel in crystal-clear water.

By prioritizing short-term gain over environmental protection, these businesses are undermining the very product they’re selling: paradise.

And in doing so, they are also hurting the sustainable tourism businesses that rely on nature, not concrete. Dive shops, freediving centers, snorkeling tours, conservation programs, eco resorts—they all depend on healthy reefs and vibrant marine life.

The Hope: Government Action

In 2018, the government showed what could be done. They took action, cleaned the beaches, and reaffirmed the island’s conservation status.

Today, we need that same leadership again. The sooner, the better. Because the longer illegal structures are allowed to grow, the more others will follow. It becomes harder to undo the damage. Harder to tell newcomers that conservation matters. Harder to reverse pollution and erosion. Harder to restore balance to an ecosystem that’s already under pressure.

Conclusion: A Call for Accountability

Why are people building on the beach? Because they believe they can get away with it.

But it’s time for the community, the marine park authority, and the government to stand up for the islands once more. Not just for those who live and work here today—but for the future of the Gili Islands as a whole.

The reefs, turtles, and fish don’t have a voice.

Let’s be that voice. Before it’s too late.