Only one company refuses to comply as Bali fights plastic pollution
Bali Governor Wayan Koster has made a bold announcement: starting January 2026, the island will prohibit the production and sale of plastic bottled water under one liter. This move is part of the “Bali Clean Waste Movement” (Gerakan Bali Bersih Sampah), aimed at reducing plastic pollution across the province. While 17 of 18 bottled water producers in Bali have agreed to stop small plastic bottle production, Danone—the company behind Aqua—remains the only one refusing to comply.
During the World Environment Day event at Kuta Beach on Thursday (June 5, 2025), Governor Koster emphasized the urgent need to reduce plastic waste and publicly named Danone as the only holdout. “I’ve gathered all producers at my residence, and only Danone has not agreed,” he said, vowing to summon the company again.
Minister of Environment and Forestry Hanif Faisol Nurofiq, present at the event, backed the governor’s efforts and warned, “If any company refuses to comply, they will face me directly.”
According to UNEP, over 400 million tons of plastic are produced globally each year, yet only 10% is recycled. In Indonesia, over 10 million tons of plastic waste was generated in 2023 alone. Much of it ends up in oceans and landfills, causing severe environmental harm including microplastics in salt and water sources.
To support this initiative, a Governor’s Circular (SE Bali No. 9/2025) has also instructed hotels, malls, and restaurants to stop selling bottled water in plastics under 1L by end of this year.
💧 “Starting January 2026, no more small plastic bottles in Bali. Use what’s already produced by December, and that’s it,” Koster stated.
Add a comment