Keeping Bali Bright: Waste-Free Tourism Starts with Responsibility

TheIndonesia.co - Bali, long celebrated as one of the world’s most captivating tourist destinations, must continue to uphold its image as a clean, vibrant, and trash-free paradise. To maintain that standard, Indonesia’s Minister of Environment and Forestry, Hanif Faisol Nurofiq, is leading efforts to ensure that hotels, restaurants, and cafes (HOREKA) in Bali take full responsibility for their waste management.

“We’re putting together a comprehensive approach to monitor and ensure compliance from the hospitality sector regarding their waste and wastewater handling,” said Minister Hanif, during an inspection at the marine waste control post in Kuta Beach, Badung Regency, according to Antara News Agency.

He acknowledged that local environmental agencies across Bali have already started inspecting waste management practices in hotels and eateries. However, he emphasized that a one-time check isn’t enough. A more sustainable, ongoing strategy is being rolled out—classifying businesses into red, blue, and green categories based on their waste practices.

“By the end of the year, our goal is for all major hotels and restaurants to achieve ‘green’ status,” he stated. “This will help make Bali more comfortable and appealing for all visitors.”

This initiative places clear responsibility on HOREKA businesses to manage their waste at the source, preventing leaks and reducing the burden on landfills. Given the large volume of waste generated by the tourism sector, changing behavior at these key entry points is seen as crucial to shifting the broader waste culture in Bali.

Minister Hanif also praised the increasing commitment of Bali’s communities and institutions—from the police and military, to traditional village security forces (pecalang), indigenous groups, and environmental organizations—in tackling Bali’s waste issue together.

“Addressing Bali’s waste problem requires serious synergy. It’s not a simple task,” he explained.

Currently, an estimated 40% of Bali’s waste still ends up in nature, often carried by rainwater into the island’s 12 major rivers. This concern has triggered nationwide attention, with the National Task Force on Marine Waste stepping in to install trash booms in rivers and intensify coastal cleanup efforts.

At the Sarbagita Regional Landfill in Suwung, Denpasar, the island’s largest waste processing facility, the daily volume reaches between 1,100 and 1,200 tons. This includes around 980 tons from Denpasar and 200 tons from Badung alone.

As Bali continues to welcome millions of foreign tourists each year, its commitment to cleanliness and sustainability is more important than ever. A pristine, waste-free Bali isn't just about beauty—it’s about responsibility, collaboration, and protecting the paradise that the world has come to love.