Bali’s New Plastic Ban: Support from Tourists and Industry Stakeholders

Bali, Indonesia – May 31, 2025 – In a bold move to address environmental concerns, Bali’s Governor Wayan Koster has implemented a stringent ban on single-use plastics, a decision that has garnered both support and criticism from tourists and industry leaders alike. This initiative aims to bolster the island’s ongoing efforts to combat pollution and preserve its natural beauty.

New Legislation Aims for a Cleaner Bali

Earlier this year, Governor Koster introduced a significant policy prohibiting the use of single-use plastic bottles and cups under one liter. This ban builds upon previous legislation aimed at reducing plastic waste on the island. In recent days, the governor took further steps, meeting with various stakeholders, including major beverage companies, to discuss the implementation of this ban as part of the Bali Clean Waste Movement.

During a meeting held on May 29th, representatives from Indonesia’s leading beverage firms—including Aqua, Coca-Cola, and local brands—gathered to strategize on phasing out plastic items from their operations. "This is to reduce the use of single-use plastic waste," Koster stated. He emphasized the urgency of the initiative and indicated that all distribution of single-use water bottles must cease by December 2025. ## Mixed Reactions from Tourists

In Bali’s popular tourist spots, opinions among visitors about the plastic ban are favorable. Diomar Romero, a surfer visiting from Miami, expressed his support, highlighting the amount of trash he encounters in the ocean, mainly consisting of plastic bottles. "I think it’s good. As a surfer, the first thing I see is trash in the water," he said.

Similarly, Andrew Otiko from the UK echoed these sentiments, stressing both environmental and health concerns related to plastic use. He noted, “Especially for health reasons, yes. Moreover, we know that microplastics have been found in human blood and brain.”

Industry Concerns and Need for Analysis

Despite the strong support among tourists, the ban has sparked a debate regarding its broader implications. Dr. I Nyoman Subanda, a public policy observer from the National Education University in Denpasar, cautioned against the hasty implementation of such restrictive measures. He called for a comprehensive study to ascertain whether small water bottles constitute the largest source of waste compared to other types of plastic. "Policies should not be made in a hurry. Socialization must first be accompanied by supporting resources and funds. Otherwise, the implementation will be chaotic," he warned.

Local industry leaders have also raised concerns, suggesting that a thorough assessment of Bali’s waste management landscape is crucial for ensuring that the ban effectively achieves its environmental goals without undue disruption to local communities and tourists alike.

A Vision for a Sustainable Future

Governor Koster envisions Bali as a national model for environmental sustainability and highlighted the significant interest from both tourists and investors in the island’s ecological integrity. He stated, "Bali is widely eyed by tourists because of its good ecosystem and culture; if this is damaged, no one will come, and people will not be able to invest."

As the province continues to navigate the complexities of environmental policy and tourism, the coming months will be pivotal in shaping the future of Bali’s plastic waste reduction strategy. The commitment to reducing plastic waste reflects a growing trend towards sustainability in tourist destinations worldwide, with many looking to Bali as a case study in balancing ecological responsibility with economic vitality.

Conclusion

Bali’s move to ban single-use plastics is a significant step towards creating a cleaner, more sustainable environment. While tourists largely applaud the initiative, a careful consideration of its implementation and impact on local communities will be essential to achieving long-term success. As stakeholders work collaboratively, the hope remains that Bali can serve as a beacon for environmental management in tourism hotspots around the globe.