Plastic Waste Threatens Bali, Bottled Water Ban Starts February 3, 2025

Plastic Waste Threatens Bali, Bottled Water Ban Starts February 3, 2025
Plastic Waste Threatens Bali, Bottled Water Ban Starts February 3, 2025
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Plastic waste has cast a long shadow over the pristine image of Bali, with its worsening impact prompting urgent measures. To combat the growing crisis, Bali’s Provincial Government has announced a groundbreaking ban on plastic water bottles, effective February 3, 2025. This policy will be enforced across all government offices, state-owned enterprises, and schools, compelling everyone to switch to reusable tumblers.

“This initiative ensures that all regional apparatus, state-owned enterprises, and educational institutions strictly adhere to the restrictions on single-use plastics,” explained Bali’s Regional Secretary, Dewa Made Indra, in an official statement issued on Tuesday, January 21, 2025.

Outlined in Circular Letter No. 2 of 2025, this policy is a direct implementation of Governor Regulation No. 97 of 2018, which targets the reduction of single-use plastic waste in Bali. According to Indra, plastic-packaged food and drinks will no longer be permitted at workplaces or official events, including meetings and ceremonial gatherings. Employees are required to carry BPA-free or stainless-steel tumblers for their water needs.

Schools are also central to this mission. Indra emphasized that students need to learn about reducing plastic waste from a young age, with principals and teachers setting an example. “We expect educators to lead by example and encourage students to adopt the habit of using reusable tumblers, creating an environmentally conscious generation,” he said.

The urgency of Bali’s waste crisis is evident on its beaches. In January 2025, Kedonganan Beach in Jimbaran made headlines as its iconic sands disappeared under mounds of plastic waste brought in by the tides. This recurring problem highlights the severity of plastic pollution in the region.

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Environmental organization Sungai Watch took action, launching a massive beach cleanup from December 24, 2024, to January 5, 2025. The campaign saw over 2,989 volunteers remove 66.3 tons of waste from Kedonganan Beach. Among the debris, two live sea turtles were found trapped under layers of plastic, a grim reminder of the toll pollution takes on marine life.

The collected waste largely consisted of single-use plastic cups and bags, items that dominate the annual influx of plastic pollution on Bali’s shores. Experts warn that the situation worsens each year, threatening both the region’s marine ecosystems and the livelihoods of coastal communities.

Furthermore, Bali’s plastic waste crisis has not gone unnoticed on the global stage. In its 2025 travel guide, Fodor’s No List named Bali as a destination unfit for tourism due to environmental concerns. The inclusion is a wake-up call for the island, known worldwide for its natural beauty and cultural heritage.

The root causes of this crisis include inadequate waste management systems and Indonesia’s widespread dependence on single-use plastics. “Plastic pollution has become an alarming issue, but the ban on plastic bottles and our broader policies aim to make Bali a greener, more sustainable destination,” said Indra, calling for collective responsibility.

While the challenges are immense, the government’s bold actions and community efforts signal a hopeful path forward. With time and sustained commitment, Bali aims to reclaim its reputation as a paradise on Earth.