Koster Confident Bali Can Achieve Net Zero Emissions by 2040

Bali Governor Wayan Koster is confident the Island of the Gods can achieve net-zero emissions by 2040. The target is five years earlier than the initial projection of 2045 and well ahead of the national target of 2060.

Koster acknowledged that several conditions must be met to achieve the goal. One is cutting emissions from fossil-fuel vehicles by increasing the use of electric vehicles.

“We need to intensify the use of electric vehicles further; then 90 per cent of emissions from coal and oil will fall more quickly. We won’t need to wait until 2045; in my view, it may be possible by 2040,” Koster said at the opening of Bali Climate Week in Sanur, Denpasar, on Tuesday (13 October 2026).

Koster said coal emissions in Bali also come from power plants that remain in operation. He is therefore placing his hopes on a gas-fired power plant that is due to be built.

He also plans to promote rooftop and floating solar power installations to replace existing energy sources. This includes requiring new buildings to install rooftop solar panels.

In his projection, Bali’s energy needs could be met by clean sources if the planned gas-fired power plant is completed in 2031 and the province receives a 1,000-megawatt solar power allocation from the central government.

“Starting at the end of this year, I will step up efforts to promote solar power, electric vehicles and other clean energy sources,” added the PDI-P politician.

Koster is optimistic that, if the goal is achieved, the next priority will be encouraging residents to switch from conventional vehicles to electric ones. He also hopes efforts to establish six low-emission zones in Bali will progress, enhancing the island’s image internationally.