Nusa Penida and the Green Island Dream: Sustaining the Hidden Paradise

In southeastern bali, limestone cliffs tower above the blue sea, framing a dramatic landscape that for years remained a secret among explorers. Nusa Penida is often called an unpolished gem. Wild, beautiful, and captivating.

Deputy Minister of Home Affairs Bima Arya Sugiarto sees that potential as the foundation for the future of Sustainable Tourism. 

During his visit to Klungkung Regency, Bali, he even referred to the area as a hidden paradise that hasn't been fully touched.

“I remember when I was a child there was a comic about Nusa Penida. Now that I'm here, my first impression is that this is an untouched hidden paradise,” said Bima on Monday.

This statement followed the Dialogue and Presentation on Nusa Penida Tourism Potential by the Klungkung Regent at Seven Dreams Hotel, Klungkung Regency, Bali.

Green Island As a New Direction

Bima urged the Klungkung Regency Government to refine the Green Island Concept as Nusa Penida's development direction. 

He assessed the idea presented by Klungkung Regent I Made Satria as a strategic concept.

According to him, the Green Island approach cannot be half-hearted. It must include effective waste management, renewable energy utilization, restrictions on motorized vehicles, and strengthening local culture as the area's identity.

“So my suggestion, Sir, is that we mature this integrated Green Island concept, then break it down: which aspects we pursue through loans, corporations, CSR (corporate social responsibility), or investors,” he emphasized.

For a rising destination like Nusa Penida, this concept provides a framework to maintain balance ANTARA visitation and Conservation.

Integration of Spatial Planning and Social Strength

Bima stressed the importance of aligning grand visions with official documents like the Detailed Spatial Plan (RDTR). 

The Green Island concept must be fully accommodated in regional government planning to prevent it from remaining mere discourse.

He reminded that physical development alone is insufficient. Good area design must align with social development and local community character. Without strong social foundations, sustainable infrastructure is hard to maintain.

Nusa Penida now stands at a crucial juncture. Its popularity keeps rising, photos of its cliffs and beaches circulate widely on social media, and tourist flows intensify.

Yet behind this euphoria lie challenges. Supporting infrastructure and ecosystems must be upgraded alongside visitation growth. Without accelerated improvements, tourists' high expectations could turn into disappointment.