Politicians and academics in Bali are urging a reconsideration of the recently introduced ban on single-use plastics, especially regarding plastic bottles under one liter. This initiative is part of Governor Wayan Koster's ambitious plan to clean the island and its tourist resorts by 2027.
The initiative to clean Bali of waste officially started on April 11, 2025, and was formalized in Circular Letter No. 9/2025. The new policy requires businesses, especially those in the tourism sector, to implement their own waste management protocols. Violators face fines and even license revocations.
One of the most significant new measures is the ban on the sale of single-use plastic bottles up to one liter, affecting both locals and tourists.
Dr. I Nyoman Subanda, a professor at the National University of Education (Undiknas) in Denpasar, expressed concern about the hastiness of the new rules. "I support the governor's aim to reduce plastic waste. However, the policy should be based on thorough research," he stated.
He believes that before the ban, it was necessary to determine which types of plastics contribute most to pollution — possibly not water bottles, but plastic bags or sachet packaging.
Dr. Subanda stressed the importance of extensive public education and allocating necessary resources to avoid chaos in implementing the new regulations. He also noted that without support from villages and local communities, the ban would be difficult to enforce.
Although plastic bottles indeed comprise a significant portion of waste on Bali's beaches and rivers, they play an important role in local society. Small bottles are essential for traditional ceremonies and large events where providing drinking water is mandatory.
"Banning small bottles would make it difficult for communities. This indicates that the new policy does not yet meet the real needs of people in the villages," noted Dr. Subanda.
He also raised concerns about the losses among entrepreneurs whose businesses depend on selling water in small bottles, emphasizing the need for finding compromise solutions involving all stakeholders — authorities, society, businesses, and the scientific community.
Travelers visiting Bali are recommended to bring reusable bottles and use free water refill stations. Such stations are available in most hotels, tourist attractions, cafes, restaurants, and beach clubs.
Source: nusabali
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