KARANGASEM ~ The regent of Karangasem has decided not to go ahead with a controversial golf course in the regency, after considering rising protests against the project.

Demonstrators objected to the proposed course being constructed near to Bali’s most important Hindu shrine, Besakih Temple.

According to Regent Wayan Geredeg, projects can be automatically canceled should any member of society disagree with them.

“Even one person disagreeing can automatically cause the cancellation of a project. And so licenses granted to investors will expire,” Geredeg told a press briefing on Tuesday.

Bali Governor Dewa Beratha had previously called on Geredeg not to allow the golf course to proceed, pointing the religious importance of the area.