Denpasar Mayor Holds Back Tears Over Waste Management; Tabanan Regent Angered by Hospital Medicine Shortage
In the past week, several significant events have dominated public attention in Bali. Notably, waste management remains a pressing challenge for Denpasar city, prompting Mayor I Gusti Jaya Negara to hold back tears whilst appealing for support to tackle the issue. He made his emotional plea during a meeting at Graha Sewaka Dharma, calling upon all village heads, customary village leaders, and district officials across Denpasar to assist in managing municipal waste through village-based initiatives.
Jaya Negara initially presented the Mayor’s Instruction Number 100.3.4.3/1/HK of 2026 concerning waste management oversight and supervision. The instruction references the current status of Denpasar City Government, which is undergoing investigation regarding the Suwung Final Waste Disposal Site (TPA).
“The status has now become an investigation, and you all know that the backbone of this responsibility is the Mayor. Because of this, I am earnestly requesting your support,” said Jaya Negara, his voice breaking with emotion on Monday, 9 March 2026. “I respectfully ask for your support so that we can work together. I request your support to implement the Minister’s directives.”
Under the Mayor’s Instruction, the Head of Community and Village Empowerment Services, together with district officials, must conduct outreach and facilitate waste management training and supervision in villages and sub-districts within their respective areas. They are also required to monitor and evaluate waste management practices, particularly concerning modern compost pits (teba modern) and other composting methods.
Village heads and sub-district heads are tasked with conducting outreach and accelerating the construction of modern compost facilities in their areas. They must also conduct monitoring and evaluation at the grassroots level, spanning households, boarding houses, and businesses to optimise waste separation at the source.
Jaya Negara added that customary village leaders are requested to play an active role in overseeing waste management in their respective neighbourhoods.
To date, only two villages have begun providing compost bags: Kertalangu Village and Tegal Harum Village. The head of Kertalangu Village has distributed 2,000 compost bags within his neighbourhood and conducted outreach activities. Tegal Harum Village head distributed 2,500 compost bags shortly after the closure of Suwung TPA was announced, as the area lacks a waste transfer facility (TPS3R).
A student in Buleleng District, Buleleng Regency, was allegedly raped by an unknown assailant. The assault occurred whilst the victim was alone at home on Tuesday, 10 March 2026, at approximately 3:00 am local time. The perpetrator allegedly broke into the locked residence before entering the victim’s room, switched off the lights, subjected the victim to violence, and threatened to kill the victim if she screamed. Under duress, the victim did not resist. After committing the act, the perpetrator fled the scene. The victim reported not knowing the perpetrator and stated that the assailant claimed to have entered the house with two others. Police are conducting investigations to identify and apprehend those responsible.
Rumours of medicine shortages at Tabanan Regional General Hospital (RSUD Tabanan) ignited public outcry following a leaked voice recording from a senior physician complaining of depleted drug stocks. The information quickly spread on social media, triggering public concern. Hospital management subsequently clarified that the unavailable medicines referenced were supplements, not emergency medications, whilst essential and life-supporting drugs remain in stock. The shortage has been attributed to incomplete BPJS insurance reimbursement claim processing. Hospital administrator I Gede Sudiarta explained that delayed BPJS claim settlements impact operational funding, including pharmaceutical procurement. Regent I Komang Gede Sanjaya expressed strong displeasure with the situation, criticising management, whilst the regional parliament has called for management evaluation.