Indonesia is considering a moratorium on building more hotels and nightclubs in the tropical holiday destination of Bali, as congestion, rowdy tourists and the conversion of paddy fields to luxury villas anger residents in the “island of gods”.

The provincial government in Bali, famed for its endless beaches, vibrant culture, rich marine biodiversity and surfing spots, has asked the central government to suspend new commercial construction in four tourist hotspots. The timing and length of a ban are yet to be finalised.

“Bali’s provincial government has proposed a moratorium on the development of hotels, villas, nightclubs and beach clubs in four busy areas,” Ida Ayu Indah Yustikarini, the head of the Bali tourism office’s marketing division, said at a press conference this week. “The objective is to encourage a quality tourism industry.”