Bali Urges Waste Management with Global Cooperation

RRI.CO.ID, Bogor - Bali Governor I Wayan Koster conveyed the provincial government is accelerating waste management in coastal areas by forming a special task force, as international attention grows over environmental sustainability on the island. He made  the statement after attending the National Coordination Meeting of the Central and Regional Governments in Sentul, Bogor, West Java, Monday 2 February 2026.

The move reflects Bali’s effort to respond more quickly to waste washing up on its beaches, which are among Indonesia’s top tourist attractions. Provincial officials say faster and more coordinated action is needed to protect the environment and maintain Bali’s global tourism image.

Meanwhile, British Deputy Ambassador to Indonesia Matthew Downing during a meeting with Governor Koster in Denpasar, Friday, 30 January 2026, conveyed that the accelerated plan comes as Bali receives international support. It also includes from the British Government, which has pledged assistance in tackling waste management and traffic congestion.

Moreover, governor Koster mentioned the President’s special attention to Bali’s waste problem has strengthened coordination across government agencies. He noted that rapid mobilization on the ground is crucial to keeping coastal areas clean, especially during periods of heavy waste inflow.

“I would like to thank the President for giving special attention to Bali regarding waste. In handling this issue, we need about two to three hours for mobilization until the area is clean. Therefore, following the President’s direction, we will immediately coordinate with the Environmental Agency, the Regional Disaster Management Agency, the Education Office, as well as the military and the police. I will form a task force to stand by at the beaches, so when waste arrives, it can be cleaned up immediately,” Koster said.

Meanwhile, the British Government has expressed its readiness to support Bali through technology-based and sustainable infrastructure solutions. Assistance will include waste management consultants, recycling systems, and public education programs aimed at changing community behavior.

Downing said the United Kingdom views Bali as a strategic partner, particularly in tourism and education. The number of British tourists visiting the island continues to increase and is projected to reach around 350,000 visits by 2026, heightening the importance of environmental protection.

The Bali Provincial Government has set a target to resolve its waste challenges within the next two years, supported by cooperation with the central government and international partners, as it seeks to position Bali as a sustainable, world-class tourism destination.