Will Bali Implement a Ban on Small Plastic Water Bottles to Combat Pollution?

Jakarta, June 5 (NationPress) The government of Indonesia's renowned tourist destination, Bali, is set to prohibit the manufacture of water bottles smaller than one litre in an effort to combat plastic pollution, a significant concern for many popular locales. A recent meeting in Denpasar, Bali's provincial capital, involved discussions between Balinese officials and leading bottled water manufacturers, where Governor I Wayan Koster formally unveiled the new regulation, which is slated to come into force in January next year, as reported by Xinhua news agency.

"Businesses must promptly cease their production and deplete their remaining inventory. By next year, water bottles under one litre will no longer be available in Bali," he emphasized, noting that the initiative has backing from the central government.

Koster highlighted that nearly all landfill sites on the island have reached their maximum capacity, with a large portion of the waste being single-use plastics, particularly water bottles.

"Bali is cherished for its culture and natural beauty. If it becomes inundated with waste, who would want to visit? A decline in tourism would hinder economic growth," Koster stated, expressing optimism that this policy could position Bali as a model for other regions in Indonesia to adopt sustainable practices.

In April, a directive from the Balinese government was issued, banning single-use plastics, such as plastic bags and straws, in government buildings, businesses, markets, public institutions, and places of worship.

Additionally, the management of these venues must implement effective waste and pollution management systems, including waste sorting, composting organic materials, and recycling inorganic waste.

Failure to comply could result in the revocation of business licenses, and villages that do not adhere to the policy may lose public funding.

According to the National Waste Management Information System, overseen by the Environment Ministry, Bali's waste production surged to 1.2 million tons last year, with Denpasar contributing approximately 360,000 tons.

A report from the Institute for Essential Services Reform (IESR), a Jakarta-based energy and climate policy think tank, indicated that waste generation in Bali has risen by 30 percent from 2000 to 2024, largely due to a widespread lack of awareness regarding waste management.

"The increase in waste, not matched by adequate management capabilities or waste infrastructure in Bali, has rendered our landfills incapable of handling the growing waste volume," stated IESR's Executive Director Fabby Tumiwa.

Koster is urging bottled water companies to think innovatively and creatively to help maintain Bali's cleanliness and reduce pollution.

"Numerous countries have recognized the value of this ban. This is not merely a restriction; it's a strategic initiative for Bali to set an example on the global stage," he concluded.