Bima Arya Urges Local Government to Develop Nusa Penida as a Green Island
Deputy Minister of Home Affairs Bima Arya Sugiarto has urged the development of Nusa Penida as an integrated Green Island based on environmental values. He called on the Klungkung Regency Government to refine the Green Island concept as the direction for Nusa Penida’s development.
Bima assessed that Nusa Penida holds appeal as a sustainable tourism destination. He even described the area as a “hidden paradise” that has not yet been fully explored.
“I remember when I was a child, there was a comic about Nusa Penida. Now, having come here, my main impression is that this is a hidden paradise that remains untouched,” said Bima in a statement on Monday (16/2/2026).
He made the remarks during a Dialogue and Presentation on Nusa Penida’s Tourism Potential by the Klungkung Regent at the Seven Dreams Hotel, Klungkung Regency, Bali, on Monday (16/2).
According to him, the Green Island concept presented by Klungkung Regent I Made Satria represents a strategic vision. He said the approach must be formulated comprehensively and in an integrated manner, encompassing waste management, renewable energy, vehicle restrictions, and the strengthening of local culture.
“So my suggestion, sir, is that we refine this Green Island concept in a fully integrated way, and then from there we determine which elements we pursue through loans, which through corporations, which through CSR (corporate social responsibility), and which through investors,” he stressed.
On the occasion, Bima also expressed his readiness to assist in strengthening the concept, including opening channels for cross-ministerial coordination.
He further emphasised the importance of solidarity among regional apparatus in realising the vision. According to him, the success of regional leaders is largely determined by the cohesion and spirit of their teams.
Bima also highlighted the importance of aligning the overarching concept with spatial planning documents, including the Detailed Spatial Plan (RDTR). He reminded officials that the Green Island vision must be properly accommodated within the local government’s official planning framework.
Beyond physical and infrastructure aspects, Bima stressed the importance of social development and community character building in supporting the concept. According to him, good area design must be accompanied by social strengthening.
He also cautioned against missing the momentum for developing Nusa Penida’s tourism. The enthusiasm of tourists must be maintained through accelerated improvements to infrastructure and the supporting ecosystem.
Bima expressed concern that without swift improvements, high tourist expectations could lead to disappointment. “This is a moment of momentum. If we don’t maintain it, it could pass us by. I can see the enthusiasm is building, but if tourists end up disappointed when they come here, they won’t come back, will they?” he concluded.