Waste Crisis Threatens Bali Tourism, Environmental Support Spotlight

JAKARTA - The surge in tourists and the expansion of the tourism sector have begun to put serious pressure on the environment of Bali.

The issue of garbage is now considered not just a cleanliness issue, but has become a threat to the sustainability of the tourism industry on the Island of the Gods.

Academician Dr. I Nengah Muliarta said Bali's ideal carrying capacity is estimated at only around 1.5 million people.

Meanwhile, the current permanent population is around 4.5 million people, not including millions of domestic and foreign tourists every year.

This condition is considered to trigger a large pressure on Bali's waste management system and environmental infrastructure.

"Don't let us tell people to sort it out, but they are confused about where to throw it," he said.

IWO Bali Chairman Tri Widiyanti said that the problem of garbage transportation began to be felt by the community, especially after the change in management system at the Suwung Landfill.

"In my area, especially West Denpasar, the waste is not touched by the DLHK team. We have paid the dues, but no one is transporting it," he said.

Complaints about delays in garbage transportation are said to have started to emerge in a number of urban areas.

Head of the Bali Provincial Forestry and Environment Service, I Made Dwi Arbani, said the government was encouraging a transformation of the waste management system, including the development of waste to energy projects and the strengthening of village-based management.

"The collect-transport-dispose system is not enough. We must uphold the principles of reduce, reuse, recycle," he said.

According to Arbani, improving waste management is important to maintain environmental quality as well as maintaining Bali's attractiveness as a global tourist destination.

Member of the I Nyoman Suyasa legislature assessed that improving waste management would have a direct impact on the tourism sector and the local economy.

"The beneficiaries are the community and the tourism sector," he said.

Environmental activist Syamsunar added that solving the waste problem requires strong commitment from the government and collaboration from all stakeholders.

If not handled seriously, environmental issues are feared to erode Bali's image in the midst of intense competition for international tourist destinations.