Koster Threatens to Suspend Special Financial Assistance to Villages Failing to Manage Waste at Source
Bali Governor Wayan Koster has threatened not to disburse Special Financial Assistance (BKK) to village and traditional village administrations that fail to manage waste at source. Koster stressed the need for firm action to resolve waste problems at village level.
The statement was made by Koster when addressing subdistrict heads, village heads (perbkels), and traditional village priests throughout Denpasar at Graha Sewaka Dharma, Denpasar, on Monday 9 March 2026. The meeting discussed acceleration of source-based waste management.
“BKK from the province will be given if there is commitment to a system for managing waste at source. If not, we will not provide BKK infrastructure assistance, or other BKK,” Koster stated firmly.
According to Koster, village administrators must commit to involvement in waste management at village level. Koster noted that Environment Minister Hanif Faisol Nurofiq has shown concern for Bali, therefore waste management must succeed.
“Why is Bali prioritised by the Minister? Because the Minister sees that Bali is number one in having the best opportunity to successfully manage waste,” added the two-term Bali governor.
Koster stated that Bali possesses adequate regulatory instruments for waste management, at both provincial and regency/city levels. According to him, other regions will follow Bali’s example if source-based waste management succeeds.
“If Bali does not succeed, do not expect other regions to succeed. Bali has become an example for the Minister. We are grateful, I am grateful, constantly encouraged and given spirit by the Minister to complete the waste problem,” Koster added.
Suwung Landfill Case Enters Investigation Phase
Previously, the case of the Suwung Final Disposal Site (TPA) in Denpasar, Bali, has entered the investigation phase. This process is related to waste management issues in Badung Regency.
“Suwung is currently truly at an advanced stage of investigation. Therefore we will monitor seriously. We will no longer provide administrative sanctions through government coercion, but rather apply criminal approach,” said Environment Minister Hanif Faisol Nurofiq at Jimbaran Beach on Thursday 5 March 2026.
Hanif stated that a Notification of Investigation Commencement (SPDP) has been sent to Badung Regent. He also requested the public to follow the directions of Badung Regent in waste management efforts, particularly regarding sorting at source.
“So unsorted waste must not be accepted at Suwung, therefore we all must strive with full strength to sort waste from the very beginning. Without sorting we will not allow it to enter Suwung,” said Hanif.
Hanif added that the Suwung landfill is currently extremely overcrowded with significant contamination levels. Therefore, he requested the regional government to immediately repair the wastewater treatment installation (IPAL).
“The Suwung landfill is truly crowded, with quite severe contamination. We have therefore requested the Governor to immediately repair the IPAL. This is currently an ongoing process. I request that it be completed as soon as possible, Governor,” he stated.
Additionally, Hanif stressed that organic waste must no longer be accepted at Suwung landfill from April 2026 onwards. According to him, organic waste increases the burden of leachate.