Future of Bali’s \'Blue Paradise\' at Stake

Kompas/Ferganata Indra Riatmoko

A diver experiences strong waves while swimming in the Toyopakeh diving site off Penida Nusa, Bali, on Tuesday (24/10).

Conservation activities have been stopped for more than 10 months in Nusa Penida, Klungkung regency, Bali. Patrolmen no longer stop fishermen hunting for sharks and manta rays. There is also no more rehabilitation of coral reefs and efforts to control the activities of barges, which have destroyed coral and marine sites. The future of "Blue Paradise" in southeast Bali is under threat.

Various activities to manage and protect the three islands of Nusa Penida, Nusa Lembongan and Nusa Ceningan have been halted due to the transfer of administrative authority of the area from Klungkung regency administration to the provincial administration of Bali. The transfer was made as the part of the implementation of Law No. 23/2014 on regional governance.