Bali’s Bold Move: Plastic Bottle Ban Aims to Save Island’s Ecosystem

Bali, the Indonesian island renowned for its pristine beaches and vibrant culture, is taking drastic measures to combat an escalating environmental crisis. Governor I Wayan Koster has unveiled a groundbreaking policy to ban the production of water bottles smaller than 1 liter, set to take effect in January 2026. This initiative, announced during a meeting with bottled water producers in Denpasar, is part of a broader push to curb the island’s mounting waste problem, which threatens its ecosystems and tourism-driven economy.

A Desperate Bid to Protect Paradise

Governor Koster minced no words about the urgency of the situation. “To preserve Bali’s environment and ecosystem, the production of bottled water under one liter must stop” he declared, as reported by Kompas.com. He instructed producers to halt manufacturing immediately and clear existing stock by next year, ensuring no small bottles remain in circulation. The policy targets single-use plastics, which dominate the island’s waste stream, with nearly all landfill sites already at capacity.

Bali’s allure as a global tourist destination hinges on its natural beauty, from turquoise waters to lush rice terraces. Yet, the island generates a staggering 1.6 million tonnes of trash annually, including 303,000 tonnes of plastic waste, according to a 2019 study. With only 48 percent of this waste managed through recycling or landfills, an estimated 33,000 tonnes of plastic leak into waterways each year, choking rivers and washing up on beaches like Kedonganan in Badung Regency.

Tourism’s Double-Edged Sword

The island’s waste crisis is inextricably linked to its booming tourism industry. Domestic and international visitors, who flock to Bali in the millions each year, generate 3.5 times more waste per day than residents, contributing to 13 percent of the island’s total refuse, per the same 2019 study. This burden has intensified environmental challenges, with overtourism and overdevelopment exacerbating issues like flooding and pollution.

Governor Koster highlighted the economic stakes during his announcement. “Bali attracts many tourists because of its beautiful ecosystem and culture. If the environment is damaged, no one will want to come here anymore, no tourists, no investors. Without tourism, there will be no economic growth” he warned. Tourism accounts for a significant portion of Bali’s economy, and any decline could have ripple effects on jobs and local livelihoods.

Recent events underscore the crisis. In January 2025, monsoon rains brought unprecedented waves of plastic debris to Bali’s iconic beaches, with activists describing it as “the worst” surge yet. Images of Kedonganan Beach littered with plastic cups, straws, and coffee sachets mixed with natural debris painted a grim picture. Just weeks ago, coastal floods in Jembrana Regency inundated 30 homes, while a breached river embankment in Bungaya village, Karangasem Regency, flooded houses with water levels reaching up to 1 meter. Villagers pointed to trash clogging a nearby bridge as a key factor in the overflow.

A Broader Crackdown on Plastic Waste

The bottle ban is not Bali’s first step toward sustainability. Last month, Governor Koster issued a circular banning single-use plastics, including bags, styrofoam products, and straws, across businesses, government offices, schools, hotels, restaurants, markets, and places of worship. These establishments must now sort waste, compost organic materials, and recycle inorganic items, either independently or via third-party services, to minimize landfill contributions.

Compliance is not optional. Businesses risk permit revocation for non-adherence, while villages failing to enforce the policy could lose government assistance. The measures reflect a growing recognition that incremental change is insufficient to address Bali’s environmental degradation. With the central government’s backing, Koster hopes Bali will become a blueprint for other Indonesian regions to adopt eco-friendly policies.

Challenges and Criticisms

While the intent behind the new policies is clear, implementation poses significant hurdles. Small water bottles are a staple for tourists and locals alike, offering convenience in Bali’s tropical climate. Producers may struggle to pivot to larger formats or alternative materials, especially under tight timelines. Moreover, the ban raises questions about affordability—larger bottles or reusable options could be costlier for low-income residents and small vendors.

Some environmentalists, while supportive, argue the policy does not go far enough. They point to the need for better waste management infrastructure, as a significant portion of collected trash never reaches recycling facilities or Bali’s 10 official landfills. Without addressing systemic gaps—such as inadequate collection services or illegal dumping—the impact of production bans may be limited. Others call for greater accountability from the tourism industry, suggesting measures like tourist waste taxes or mandatory sustainability pledges for hotels and resorts.

There are also concerns about enforcement. Bali’s diverse economy includes countless small-scale vendors and informal markets, where oversight is challenging. Ensuring compliance across such a fragmented landscape will require robust monitoring and community buy-in, neither of which is guaranteed. If penalties like permit revocations are perceived as heavy-handed, they could spark resentment among local businesses already grappling with post-pandemic recovery.

Global Context and Local Impact

Bali’s initiative aligns with a global movement to curb plastic pollution. Countries like Rwanda have banned single-use plastics outright, while others, including Thailand, have introduced phased restrictions on plastic bags and containers. Indonesia itself has pledged to reduce marine plastic debris by 70 percent by 2025, though progress remains uneven. Bali’s policies could serve as a litmus test for national efforts, given the island’s high visibility and unique challenges.

Locally, the economic implications are complex. Tourism operators fear that visible waste or stricter regulations might deter visitors, yet many acknowledge that a degraded environment poses a far greater threat. Hotels and restaurants, already adapting to the single-use plastic ban, may face additional costs to source alternatives for small water bottles. On the flip side, the policy could boost Bali’s reputation as a sustainable destination, attracting eco-conscious travelers willing to pay a premium for green credentials.

For residents, the stakes are personal. Flooding, driven in part by clogged waterways, has disrupted lives across the island. In Jembrana and Karangasem, families have lost belongings to rising waters, while coastal communities face declining fish stocks due to pollution. The sight of trash-strewn beaches, once a rarity, has become a disheartening norm for many Balinese who take pride in their island’s natural heritage.

Looking Ahead: A Model for Change?

Bali’s bold steps signal a willingness to confront its environmental crisis head-on, but success is far from assured. The ban on small water bottles and single-use plastics represents a critical starting point, yet it must be paired with investment in waste management, public education, and industry support to achieve lasting impact. If effective, Bali could inspire not just other Indonesian regions but destinations worldwide grappling with the fallout of overtourism and plastic waste.

For now, the island stands at a crossroads. As Governor Koster pushes for a greener future, the world watches to see whether Bali can reclaim its status as a paradise unmarred by pollution. The coming months will reveal whether this policy marks the beginning of a sustainable transformation or merely a well-intentioned gesture in an uphill battle against waste.