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Bali is undergoing major changes in how it handles waste. While tourists may not notice immediately, the impact on hotels, villas, restaurants, and beach clubs will be significant. These changes will likely affect visitors shortly.
The Indonesian government plans to shut down Bali's largest landfill, Suwung TPA, which has been overcapacity for years. Although it was scheduled to close during the 2022 G20 Summit, the site still receives tons of waste daily.
To address the issue, officials have ordered Bali's landfills to stop accepting waste from the tourism sector. This marks a significant shift in waste management policy.
Norma Tahar, the Director of Waste Management at the Ministry of Environment, visited Bali recently. She confirmed that despite ongoing discussions, the decision to close Suwung TPA remains firm. Tahar said authorities are actively exploring alternative landfill sites outside Denpasar and Badung Regency.
The landfill poses significant risks, especially with the rainy season approaching. The trash pile, which reaches 35 meters high, could cause landslides. Additionally, drier conditions before the rains increase the risk of fires, as demonstrated in October 2024. When rains arrive, flooding in the area becomes another concern.
Support from PHRI
The move to block tourism-related waste from Bali's landfills has received support from the Indonesian Hotel and Restaurant Association (PHRI) in Badung. Chairman I Gusti Agung Ngurah Rai Suryawijaya emphasized the importance of waste sorting within the hotel industry.
Suryawijaya said that plastic waste can be repurposed and described the policy as a necessary step toward sustainable tourism. He expressed optimism that this initiative would lead to better waste management and long-term improvements for Bali.
He also highlighted broader challenges such as traffic congestion, infrastructure development, and water availability. Suryawijaya noted that these issues require immediate attention to maintain Bali's status as a world-class destination.
Badung Regency, which hosts iconic areas like Seminyak, Kuta, Jimbaran, and Uluwatu, has over 4,000 registered accommodations. This region accounts for about 71% of Bali's 160,000 rooms, making it a critical part of the island's hospitality industry.
Suryawijaya expressed hope that both the central government and incoming provincial leadership will prioritize infrastructure improvements. He urged collaboration between regulators, industry players, and the local community to preserve Bali's unique character and enhance its tourism appeal.
Bali's gubernatorial election on November 27th will determine whether Wayan Koster, the current governor or challenger Made Muliawan Arya, also known as De Gajah, will lead. Both candidates have addressed issues like waste management, tourism, and traffic congestion in their campaigns.