Under the newly issued Circular Letter No. 9 of 2025, titled the Bali Clean Waste Movement, companies operating on the island — especially in the tourism sector — will face strict sanctions if they fail to implement responsible waste management practices.

Speaking during a press conference on April 6th in Denpasar, Governor Koster warned that businesses such as hotels, restaurants, cafes, and shopping centers that do not comply with source-based waste separation and plastic reduction policies risk having their licenses reviewed or revoked. The policy officially takes effect on April 11, 2025, with full enforcement expected by January 1, 2026.

“Businesses that fail to manage their waste properly or continue using single-use plastics will not only face legal consequences, but also public exposure on social media,” Koster said, adding they will be labeled as “not worth visiting.”

The new rules go beyond just disposal — businesses must reduce waste at the source, separate it into organic, inorganic, and residual categories, and build temporary on-site storage. Only after taking these steps can they rely on public waste facilities like landfills and recycling centers (TPS3R).

One of the key targets: single-use plastics — especially plastic water bottles under 1 liter and plastic bags. Though technically banned in Bali since 2018, weak enforcement has allowed them to remain widespread. Koster now plans to bring together producers such as PDAM, Danone, and private companies to stop manufacturing small plastic bottles altogether.

“The landfills are full. Waste must be managed from upstream to downstream,” he insisted. “This isn’t about killing business — it’s about saving the environment.”

The governor acknowledged that traditional markets still heavily use plastic bags, and while 290 villages have begun implementing waste management systems, the goal of 100% village compliance by 2023 was delayed due to pandemic-related setbacks. Still, with renewed national focus and direct support from President Prabowo Subianto, Koster remains optimistic:

“Even if I get criticized on social media, I’ll stand by this. My intentions are good — for Bali and for Indonesia.”

Businesses that comply with the new rules will be rewarded with official green certifications and awards, promoting them as environmentally conscious destinations for tourists and locals alike.