Deputy minister warns waste management key to Bali's reputation

Jakarta (ANTARA) - Deputy Tourism Minister Ni Luh Puspa warned Wednesday that resolving Bali's worsening waste crisis is vital to maintaining the resort island's global competitiveness and reputation as a world-class destination.

During a coordination meeting with the Ministry of Environment, Puspa noted that while a surge in international arrivals has driven massive foreign direct investment, it has also strained the island's environmental sustainability.

Bali currently ranks eighth in nationwide waste generation, with tourism hubs Denpasar, Gianyar, and Badung identified as the primary contributors.

The crisis has reached the highest levels of government, with the presidency naming Bali a priority zone for environmental intervention.

"During a national coordination meeting in early 2026, the president specifically highlighted the waste issue and named Bali as one of the priority regions," Puspa remarked, underlining the urgency from the central government.

Over the past year, tourism officials have monitored waste compliance across hotels, restaurants, and cafes, which are legally required to manage their waste independently.

However, local infrastructure is struggling to keep pace. The closure of the critical Suwung Landfill has led to widespread waste accumulation at temporary shelters. Additionally, high shipping costs to processing facilities in Surabaya have severely restricted the proper disposal of hazardous and toxic waste.

While national regulations mandate that commercial sites sort waste into five distinct categories, officials admit enforcement on the ground lags behind.

Currently, more than 67 percent of Bali's hospitality businesses bypass local infrastructure entirely, relying on private, third-party services to handle their waste disposal.

"We continue to encourage business actors to establish good communication channels and actively consult with us if they encounter obstacles in waste management," Puspa added.

Translator: Hreeloita Dharma, Raka Adji

Editor: Aditya Eko Sigit Wicaksono

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