Governor Receives World Bank Advice on Five Bali Challenges
Denpasar (ANTARA) – Governor Wayan Koster of Bali received advice from the World Bank on five Bali issues of global concern. ‘We thank the various inputs provided to the Bali Provincial Government; infrastructure is indeed one of our top priorities in Bali as it requires significant funding,’ Koster said in a statement in Denpasar on Sunday.
During the meeting with World Bank Country Director Carolyn Turk, five challenges were highlighted that need to be addressed: wastewater management and recycling, waste disposal, transportation mobility, clean water supply, and electricity availability in certain areas of Bali.
The governor expressed appreciation for the inputs regarding Bali’s future development and sustainability, especially as they align with the long-term Bali 100-Year Development Plan.
Regarding infrastructure, he noted that it significantly affects the sustainability of Bali’s tourism and must be handled seriously and systematically.
On the environmental aspect, he said the provincial government has been pushing for a clean and healthy Bali through policies such as restricting single-use plastics and source-based waste management.
In terms of human needs, Governor Koster stressed that the government prioritises citizens’ basic needs, ensuring clean air, healthy water, food, clothing, and adequate housing.
‘Bali’s air must be good, clean and healthy water must be provided, and Bali must be food sovereign,’ he said.
On energy, he responded that the provincial government is promoting clean energy independence to ensure sustainable energy supply in the future. This is evidenced by Koster not allowing fossil fuel-based power plants and prioritising clean energy, including battery-powered electric vehicles and waste-to-energy projects in collaboration with Danantara.
‘The government continues to plant trees, mangroves, and endemic Balinese plants to expand forest coverage and maintain environmental balance. All these policies are aimed at preserving Bali’s sustainability, including conserving Balinese culture and preparing a sustainable living ecosystem for the community,’ he added.
The World Bank warned that if these issues are not properly addressed now, Bali risks facing serious problems in the future.
‘We do not only look at Bali’s current condition but also future periods. Bali is still a global favourite, and the challenge is to keep it a top destination in the coming years,’ Carolyn said.
As a follow-up to the World Bank’s data, they requested Governor Koster to appoint a technical team to collaborate on further discussions about strategic solutions and implementation steps.
‘The results of the technical team discussions will be reported back to Governor Koster in the next meeting,’ she said.
Carolyn hoped the government would strengthen sustainable development efforts to ensure tourism growth remains balanced with the needs of Bali’s residents.
‘Our analysts focus not only on current conditions but also future periods; the challenge is for Bali to remain a top destination and stay prime in the years ahead,’ she concluded.