Denpasar, Sept. 14 -- Bali Governor Wayan Koster confirmed that discussions will begin this year on drafting a regional bylaw prohibiting land conversion, following directives from the Minister of Environment, who identified land conversion as one of the causes of severe flooding.

"Starting this year, yes, there is already an instruction to all heads of districts and mayors across Bali," he said in Denpasar on Sunday.

"After handling the floods, we will meet again to ensure no more permits are issued for hotels, restaurants, or other facilities on productive land, especially rice fields," Koster added.

The bylaw is expected to be enacted in 2025, in line with the Bali New Era 100-Year Development Plan set for 2025-2125.

"Starting this...