Bali, Indonesia Sentinel — In response to the growing waste crisis in Bali, the provincial government has announced a ban on plastic bottled water, set to take effect on February 3, 2025. The move is part of Bali’s broader commitment to creating a cleaner and more sustainable environment.
Bali Provincial Secretary Dewa Made Indra emphasized that the ban will apply to all government offices, regional-owned enterprises (BUMD), and schools under the provincial government’s jurisdiction.
As an alternative, individuals are required to bring their own reusable water bottles, with a recommendation to use ones made of stainless steel or BPA-free certified plastic.
“This policy aims to ensure that all government institutions, BUMD, and schools in Bali implement strict measures to reduce single-use plastics,” Indra said, as reported by Antara on Tuesday, January 21, 2025.
The plastic bottled water ban is outlined in Circular No. 2 of 2025, which reinforces Bali Governor Regulation No. 97 of 2018 concerning the reduction of single-use plastics. The directive prohibits government institutions from providing plastic-packaged drinking water or food in plastic packaging during meetings, ceremonies, or day-to-day operations.
“Providing plastic bottled water, whether in cups or bottles, is not allowed. Similarly, food or snacks in plastic packaging are prohibited in workspaces or during official events,” Indra stated.
To raise awareness among students, schools are also required to adopt the policy. Teachers and principals are expected to lead by example, encouraging students to use BPA-free or stainless-steel reusable bottles as part of efforts to reduce plastic waste in educational settings.
The provincial government has instructed agency heads, BUMD leaders, and school principals to ensure strict enforcement and compliance within their respective institutions. “We hope this policy will be implemented responsibly by all stakeholders, contributing to a greener and more sustainable Bali,” Indra said.
Bali’s Waste Crisis
Bali’s waste management system has faced increased strain, particularly with the surge in tourism over the years. While tourism boosts the economy, it has also overwhelmed local waste infrastructure, leaving once-pristine beaches buried under piles of trash.
According to Liputan6, a coalition of academics and NGOs studying waste management on the island, Bali Partnership reported that Bali produces an estimated 1.6 million tons of waste annually. Of this, plastic waste accounts for approximately 303,000 tons.
However, only 48% of the island’s waste is responsibly managed, with a mere 7% of plastic waste being recycled. The remaining 33,000 tons of plastic ends up polluting Bali’s rivers, beaches, and oceans each year, posing a severe threat to its ecosystems.
Environmental Groups Respond
Environmental groups in Bali have largely welcomed the government’s initiative on the plastic bottled water ban, but caution that effective implementation will require clear plans and oversight.
Hermitianta Prasetya Putra, Program Director at Merah Putih Hijau (MPH), a waste management initiative under the nonprofit Yayasan Bumi Sasmaya, stressed the importance of mapping out the sources of single-use plastic waste.
“Before implementing restrictions, it’s crucial to identify who uses single-use plastics the most and where they are predominantly found,” he stated, as reported by Tempo on Wednesday, January 22, 2025.
Hermitianta also called for the government to set clear benchmarks to measure the policy’s success, expressing concerns about its practical enforcement.
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Similarly, I Made Agus Jaya Wardana, commonly known as Degus, the head of the Bali-based environmental group Malu Dong, praised the initiative but emphasized the need for concrete follow-through.
“Policies like this should go beyond announcements. They require proper modeling for waste management, clear regulations, and stringent oversight,” Degus said.
He added that one of the root causes of Bali’s waste crisis lies in the lack of proper waste separation. “The failure to sort waste from the start has led to an overwhelming accumulation that cannot be effectively processed,” he noted, urging the government to ensure proper facilities, monitoring, and sanctions to achieve the desired outcomes.
A Step Forward
Bali ban on plastic bottled water represents a significant step in addressing its mounting waste problem. While challenges remain in ensuring compliance and effective execution, the policy’s implementation on February 3, 2025, is expected to mark the beginning of a concerted effort to tackle the island’s plastic waste crisis.
(Raidi/Agung)
