Bali’s Sustainability Crisis: Tourism Growth and Waste Management Challenges

Bali Governor Wayan Koster met with World Bank Country Director Carolyn Turk in Denpasar on Sunday, May 24, 2026, to address five infrastructure challenges currently facing the province. The discussion centered on the urgent need for improved wastewater management and recycling, waste management systems, transportation mobility, clean water supplies, and electricity availability. Governor Koster stated that the provincial government acknowledges these infrastructure requirements, noting that they demand significant funding. He emphasized that these developments are essential to the sustainability of the island’s tourism sector and must be addressed through well-planned policies. According to the Governor, the recommendations provided by the World Bank align with the island’s existing 100-Year Bali Development Plan. The waste management issue has reached a critical juncture following the closure of the Suwung landfill in 2026. The closure has left the region facing a potential waste crisis, with daily output estimates reaching 3,800 tons. In response to these environmental pressures, the Bali Provincial Government has implemented policies targeting waste management at the source, including restrictions on single-use plastics. Beyond waste, the province is managing competing demands on public space and infrastructure. Rapid development in high-traffic areas like Canggu has prompted discussions regarding the long-term sustainability of the island’s tourism-heavy regions. These challenges extend to the energy sector, where the provincial government is seeking to establish clean energy independence to secure future power availability. Governor Koster highlighted that efforts to improve basic social welfare—including access to clean air, safe water, and adequate housing—remain a priority alongside these infrastructure projects. The provincial government is currently evaluating the implementation of new waste-to-energy facilities to address the disposal backlog near key tourist centers.