In recent days, Bali’s serene beauty has been stirred into controversy as local leaders have made urgent media statements regarding the unexpected renaming of Serangan Beach on Google Maps.
The Sudden Name Change
Pictures began circulating online that indicated Serangan Beach, now affectionately dubbed “Surf Surf by The Waves,” had undergone a name change. This situation is especially sensitive following the infamous renaming of Canggu to ‘New Moscow’ on Google Maps back in May 2024, a move that raised eyebrows and sparked debates on cultural identity.
Serangan Beach and Local Economic Development
As part of the development of the new Kura Kura Special Economic Zone, Serangan Beach holds significant importance, especially with the Indonesian government investing heavily in the area. Much like the Sanur Special Economic Zone that has embraced medical tourism, Kura Kura is positioned to welcome trillions of rupiah in tourism and creative enterprises.
The Vision for Kura Kura Special Economic Zone
Launched on April 5, 2023, by then-President Joko Widodo, the Kura Kura project covers a sprawling 498 hectares on Serangan Island. Future developments promise to include a marina with integrated resorts, hotels, wellness centers, and educational parks, aiming to reshape the landscape of Bali’s economy.
To attract investors, exclusive policies such as tax breaks have been established. Tuti Hadiputranto, President Director of Kura Kura Bali, recently explained that these incentives are designed to drive investment and foster economic growth in the area.
He stated, “We thank the Government for granting Special Economic Zone status to Kura Kura Bali. This will provide many advantages to investors, including a 10-year income tax holiday for substantial projects.”
Community Reaction and Insights
The recent name change has not gone unnoticed by the local community. Many residents are puzzled and even concerned by the dual listing of Serangan Beach on Google Maps. One marker remains for Pantai Serangan, while a neighboring spot is now marked as “Pantai Kura Kura Bali ‘Surf Surf by The Waves’”. For those of us familiar with local naming conventions, this sudden addition feels like an encroachment on the cultural integrity of the area.
Addressing the controversy, Zakki Hakim, Head of Communications for the Kura Kura Special Economic Zone development company, clarified that the name change was not a decision from their team. He noted, “Google is a public domain, which means users can input any name they wish. We had no control over this listing.” He expressed the hope for open discussions moving forward, affirming their respect for Balinese culture.
The Bigger Picture: Cultural Concerns
The shock and unrest in Bali may stem from past experiences. The earlier renaming of Canggu to ‘New Moscow’ ignited debates about colonialism and the influence of foreign interests in Balinese culture. Similarly, recent closures of foreign-owned properties, like PARQ Ubud, have compounded these tensions, as locals worry that such rapid developments may lead to an erosion of their cultural heritage.
As the tourism and economic landscape changes across Bali, many of us are left wondering: how can we find a balance between growth and preserving the unique identity of this beautiful island? Understanding and navigating these developments requires a thoughtful dialogue among all stakeholders, particularly the local communities who call Bali home.
In conclusion, as Bali navigates through this tumultuous time, it is essential for everyone involved to engage in meaningful conversations about development and the importance of preserving culture. The future of Serangan Beach—and indeed all of Bali—depends on our ability to listen and adapt together.
