Bali Launches Bold Waste-Free Movement to Protect Its Global Appeal

TheIndonesia.co - The Indonesian Minister of Environment, Hanif Faisol Nurofiq, officially launched the Clean Bali from Waste Movement — a major initiative spearheaded by the provincial government to tackle the island’s mounting waste problem.

According to Antara News Agency, speaking in Denpasar on Friday, Minister Hanif expressed strong confidence in the program’s success, pointing to the hands-on involvement of Bali Governor Wayan Koster, who has laid out a detailed and structured action plan to ensure the movement's effectiveness.

“This isn’t just a declaration,” Hanif stated. “It’s a concrete, systematic, and well-coordinated series of actions aimed at creating a cleaner Bali. No other province has developed such a comprehensive waste action plan with full support from all stakeholders. It’s truly groundbreaking.”

He hopes that within just 3 to 4 months, Bali will emerge as a national model for effective waste management — something he believes is well within reach.

Since taking office, Minister Hanif has closely monitored Bali’s waste challenges and applauded the progress made, including the introduction of new regulations that elevate waste management to a super-priority program.

“In the midst of our nationwide struggle to deal with urban waste, Bali has the potential to become a shining example of real, workable solutions,” he said. “And this matters — because how we manage our waste is a reflection of our civilization.”

Governor Koster echoed this urgency. He emphasized that Bali faces a serious waste crisis, with daily waste generation reaching 3,436 tons — over 1,000 tons of which comes from Denpasar alone, followed by Badung and Gianyar.

While earlier efforts — such as the ban on single-use plastic bags in supermarkets — marked a strong start during his first term, Governor Koster admitted they weren’t enough. That’s why he is doubling down in his second term with stricter rules, clearer penalties, and rewards. These are now formalized in Circular Letter No. 9 of 2025 on the Clean Bali from Waste Movement.

“This is our only chance,” he said. “If Bali wants to succeed, this program must succeed. There’s no other way.”

Why It Matters:

Bali remains Indonesia’s crown jewel in global tourism, attracting millions of foreign visitors each year. Ensuring it stays clean and waste-free is not only crucial for the environment but also for preserving its image as a world-class destination. A cleaner Bali means a more sustainable future — for its people, its culture, and its economy.