Bali Battles Waste and Traffic, Tourism Still Soars
Island Authorities Launch New Initiatives to Preserve Paradise
Bali is doubling down on efforts to manage its growing pains, launching task forces to tackle escalating waste and notorious traffic congestion, even as visitor numbers continue to climb. The moves aim to balance economic growth with environmental sustainability.
New Task Forces Target Key Issues
The Bali Provincial Government is forming cross-sector teams to accelerate waste management from its source and implement eco-friendly processing technologies for both organic and inorganic refuse. This was announced by Bali governor I Wayan Koster at the Bali and Beyond Travel Fair (BBTF) 2025 this week.
Koster also revealed a ban on the production of plastic bottled water containers smaller than one litre. Addressing the island’s well-known traffic problems, authorities will review work and school schedules and restrict daytime operations for logistics vehicles. Plans are also underway to improve public transportation, including the construction of underpasses.
“Bali’s economy grows when tourism grows, because the sector contributes 66 per cent of Bali’s economy.”
—I Wayan Koster, Bali Governor
Tourism Remains Robust Despite Challenges
Despite these challenges, Bali’s tourism sector remains remarkably resilient. In 2024, the island welcomed 6.4 million international arrivals, exceeding its previous peak in 2019. Through May 2025, international arrivals have increased by 11 percent compared to the same period last year. This growth comes as global travel continues to recover; according to the UN World Tourism Organization, international tourism reached 80% of pre-pandemic levels in the first quarter of 2024. UNWTO Report
Expanding Bali’s Tourism Footprint
Indonesia’s minister of tourism, Widiyanti Putri Wardhana, highlighted Bali’s role as a crucial gateway for travelers exploring the wider Indonesian archipelago. She described Bali as a “crown jewel,” noting that its tourism revenue accounts for 44 percent of the nation’s total foreign exchange earnings from tourism.
BBTF 2025 is focused on promoting travel beyond South Bali, encouraging visitors to explore regions like Jembrana, Buleleng, Banyuwangi, and East Java. The aim is to distribute tourism more evenly and alleviate pressure on the island’s most popular areas.
The initiatives signal a commitment to preserving Bali’s natural beauty and cultural heritage while sustaining its vital tourism industry for years to come.
