ITB alumni united to tackle Bali's waste problem

Pilgrims advised to reduce activities outside Arafah tents. Environment Minister Mohammad Jumhur Hidayat and Bali Governor Wayan Koster met at the KLH offices in Jakarta recently to discuss strategic measures for tackling waste on the island. The meeting between the two IT Bandung alumni was held to address the issue. Governor Koster stated upon his return to Bali that the Environment Minister had committed to prioritising Bali’s waste problems, given its status as a premier global tourist destination. Koster added that the Environment Minister fully supported the province’s upstream and downstream waste management strategies. Koster also revealed the Environment Minister will visit Bali on 9 June 2026 for a coordination meeting with governors and regents, including discussions on the Suwung landfill and the waste-to energy project (PSEL). ‘The minister will inspect the Suwung landfill and the PSEL site at Pelindo’s land in Benoa,’ Koster said. The two officials share a strong bond through their IT Bandung alma mater, which has helped them align on policies and immediate actions to resolve Bali’s waste issues. Governor Koster and his team have implemented several regulations and strategic steps, including Bali Regional regulation No. 97 of 2018 (limiting single-use plastics), Bali Regional regulation No. 47 of 2019 (source-based waste management), and Governor’s Letter No. 09 of 2025 on the ‘Clean Bali’ movement. Source-based waste management is key to reducing organic waste at Suwung landfill, ensuring PSEL receives high-quality non-organic and residual waste when operational. Army Chief General Maruli Simanjunctak met Governor Koster to discuss PSEL at Suwung landfill, with TNI AD offering environmentally-friendly pyrolysis technology. Governor Koster emphasised that all activities in sacred areas (parahyangan) must be plastic-free. A rise in criminal cases involving foreign nationals in Bali was noted in 2026, but Koster stated Bali remains safe despite the concerns. An event involving thousands of Bali’s pecalang ( traditional security) was held to prepare for security during Nyepi 1948 Saka and Eid al-Fitr 1447 H. Koster hopes improved Indonesia-China relations will boost cooperation between Bali and China.