Bali’s natural beauty continues to attract tourists, but the island faces a persistent problem: plastic waste littering beaches and tourist areas in Bali. In response, the Bali Tourism Office (Dispar) is intensifying efforts to reduce single-use plastic, urging industry players and visitors to switch to reusable alternatives, particularly tumblers.
Tjok Bagus Pemayun, Head of the Bali Tourism Office, emphasized the urgency of this initiative following the enforcement of a directive requiring government employees in Bali to use tumblers. He sees this as a crucial step in reinforcing Bali Governor Regulation No. 97 of 2018, which aims to curb plastic waste.
“If IHGMA (Indonesian Hotel General Manager Association) has already implemented it, we at the Tourism Office immediately remind tourism stakeholders to bring tumblers. This directive reinforces Bali Governor Regulation No. 97 of 2018,” Pemayun stated, as quoted by Antara on Wednesday (5/2/2025).
Beyond government offices, Dispar Bali is determined to involve the broader tourism sector, including hotels, restaurants, and tour operators. The plan includes installing billboards at popular tourist sites, providing information on domestic tourist levies, behavioral guidelines, and the importance of using reusable bottles instead of plastic-packaged drinks.
Internally, the policy is already in effect. Since Monday (3/2), all Bali Tourism Office employees have been using their own reusable water bottles and ensuring their food packaging is plastic-free.
“As regulators, we must set an example in preserving Bali’s natural beauty from plastic waste, which affects both visitor comfort and health,” Pemayun said.
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The initiative also extends to visitors. The Tourism Office has set up water dispensers for guests, especially those from tourism-related organizations, to encourage them to bring their own reusable bottles.
Pemayun is even pushing the idea of making tumblers a stylish accessory for travelers. He encourages people to coordinate their tumblers with their outfits, making sustainability a part of their daily fashion.
“On Mondays, I wear brown, so I match my tumbler with that style. I have different bottles—some for hot drinks, some smaller ones—enough for the whole week. Tomorrow, with black-and-white attire, I’ll have another one,” he explained.
At the Bali Tourism Office, implementing this policy has been smooth, as reusable bottles have long been part of tourism-related events and souvenirs.
To ensure full compliance, Pemayun remains firm in reminding employees who fail to follow the directive while also evaluating ways to encourage all tourism stakeholders to adopt the initiative. With collective effort, he believes Bali can significantly reduce its plastic waste and enhance its appeal as a sustainable travel destination.
