Bali Urged To Reconsider Impacts Of Plastics Ban In Tourism Hotspots

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Policy advisers and academics in Bali are calling for a serious reconsideration of the province’s announcement to ban single-use plastics, with a specific focus on the ban on bottles under 1 liter.

Bali Governor Wayan Koster announced the new policy as part of a mission to clean up Bali, including its top tourism resorts, by 2027. 

The Bali Waste Clean-Up Movement formally came into effect on April 11, 2025. The policy changes were stated in new legislation in Circular Letter Number 9 of 2025.

The policy has put far more focus on businesses, especially those in the tourism sector, to take greater responsibility for their waste management.

Governor Koster has implored that all businesses create and integrate their own waste management protocols and those found to be flouting the new rules will be fined, or even have their business licenses taken away. 

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One of the biggest policy changes that affects all people in Bali, from local communities to international tourists, is the ban on single-use plastics. Governor Koster has created legislation that specifically bans single-use plastic water bottles that are under one liter in capacity.

However, many leaders in Bali feel that the legislation changes have been implemented too hastily and that a different approach could be more sustainable and impactful in the long run. 

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Speaking to reporters, Dr. I Nyoman Subanda, an academic and public policy observer from the National Education University, Undiknas n Denpasar, shared his insights on how policy changes regarding waste management could best benefit local people and tourists and help protect the environment. 

Dr Subanda shared “I agree with the Governor’s enthusiasm to reduce plastic waste. However, this kind of policy must go through an in-depth study. It needs to be seen first, is it true that small drinking water packaging is the biggest contributor to waste? Or are there other types of plastic waste that are more dominant such as plastic bags or sachets.”

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He added “Policies should not be made in a hurry. There must be socialization first, accompanied by supporting resources and funds. Otherwise, the implementation will be chaotic.”

He has called for more research to be completed before the ban becomes strictly implemented, he is concerned that many businesses and communities across Bali are simply not prepared or well-resourced enough to facilitate the changes. 

Dr Subanda shared “If the village or hamlet does not support [this policy], it will not be effective. The provincial government cannot go alone.”

He also raised concerns about the banning of small plastic bottles. While data shows that small water bottles and single-use plastic cups of water are amongst the most common items of plastic waste found in Bali’s beaches, rivers, and landfills, they also serve an important purpose for Balinese people in the modern day. 

Dr Subanda shared “Small bottled water is very much needed during traditional activities involving many residents. If it is prohibited, the community will have difficulties. This means that the policy is not yet in line with the needs of the village community.”

Many would also share that Balinese communities conducted their traditional activities for hundreds of years before the relatively recent introduction of the single-use plastic water bottle and could, in theory, easily do so again. Nevertheless, it must be acknowledged that times have changed; Bali’s freshwater sources are also at risk of pollution and are far less accessible than they once were. 

Dr Subanda told reporters “Business people who have been relying on their businesses from small bottled drinking water will certainly suffer losses. They have employees who must also be provided with a living. So there must be negotiations and solutions from the provincial government.”

He concluded, “The discussion should not only be in the government room. It must involve all parties: the community, academics, and entrepreneurs. Don’t just force policies from above.”

Tourists traveling to Bali are advised to bring with them a reusable water bottle and to make the most of free filter water refill stations on offer at almost all accommodations, at many tourist attractions, cafes, restaurants, and beach clubs.