Bali plastic-free by 2027? The question arises from the recent regulations that the most touristy island in Indonesia imposed with the goal of “eliminating” these waste within two years.
The city faces a serious environmental problem due to plastic pollution and has decided to take action. They will apply restrictions to both the use and production of this material.
Bali plastic-free? The goal for 2027
In 2024, its paradisiacal beaches and extensive rice terraces welcomed nearly 6.5 million tourists, according to the island’s Central Statistics Office. However, it faces a serious environmental issue of plastic pollution.
Therefore, the provincial government intensified restrictions on the material this month by prohibiting bottles of less than one liter.
The plastic ban campaign began in January when plastic bottles were banned in government institutions and educational centers.
The measure, as reported by EFE, was implemented to address the epidemic of plastic pollution affecting Indonesia, especially Bali, which hosts a high percentage of the country’s total tourism.
When the regulation came into force, the regional secretary of the province, Dewa Made Indra, expressed the authorities’ willingness to “achieve a greener and more sustainable Bali“.
“We ask school directors and teachers to set an example for the students and promote the use of cups to reduce plastic waste in the school environment,” he said. “We hope that this policy will be implemented responsibly by all parties involved,” Dewa pointed out.
Sanctions
In April, Governor Wayan Koster issued a notice to extend the ban on both the production and distribution of plastic bottles with a capacity of less than one liter on the island.
“Businesses that do not comply with the circular may be sanctioned with the review or revocation of their commercial license and a public announcement on various platforms and social media, indicating that the business is not environmentally friendly and does not deserve a visit,” the document states.
The zero waste challenge
In this regard, Koster told local media that Bali aims to be waste-free by 2027.
Ecology in crisis due to plastic pollution on Bali’s beaches[/caption>
That the island achieves the “zero waste” goal in two years poses a challenge, considering Indonesia’s situation.
The country is the largest economy in Southeast Asia and, with nearly 280 million inhabitants, it ranks among the five most polluted countries in terms of plastic pollution in the world.
According to the United Nations Environment Programme, the archipelago produces around 3.2 million tons of unmanaged plastic waste per year. Of these, approximately 1.29 million end up in the sea.
Furthermore, around 10 billion plastic bags, equivalent to 85,000 tons, are released annually in Indonesia, damaging river and marine ecosystems.
