Bali, recently crowned as the world’s best destination by Tripadvisor’s 2026 Travelers’ Choice Awards, is facing a significant challenge as it grapples with a mounting trash crisis. The issue has gained international attention after Indonesian Defense Minister Prabowo Subianto publicly criticized Bali Governor Wayan Koster and local officials for their “inadequate” cleanup efforts, as reported by The Jakarta Post.
Speaking to regional leaders on February 2, Prabowo revealed that he had received numerous complaints from senior international figures regarding Bali’s deteriorating cleanliness. According to the South China Morning Post, he stated, “They said Bali is now too dirty, no longer beautiful,” acknowledging the criticism and sharing photographs from December 2025 that depicted beaches covered in trash.
Government Response to Growing Concerns
Prabowo accused Governor Koster of reacting too slowly to the crisis, despite having the authority to mobilize Bali’s 4.5 million residents for large-scale cleanup efforts. He warned that if local authorities failed to meet expectations, the central government would deploy the military for routine cleanup operations, declaring a “war” on waste.
In response to the growing waste problem, Governor Koster initiated several measures in 2025, including bans on single-use plastic bags, cups, straws, and styrofoam in various sectors such as businesses, government offices, schools, hotels, restaurants, markets, and places of worship, as reported by The Straits Times.
Impact on Tourism and Local Economy
Bali recorded an impressive 7.05 million foreign tourist arrivals in 2025, marking the highest figure in the past decade. However, the island’s reputation as a pristine paradise is at risk due to the trash issue, which could potentially deter future visitors.
In an effort to shift towards a “quality tourism” model, the Bali provincial government proposed new regulations in January requiring international visitors to declare their financial status over the previous three months. This proposal aims to curb low-spending tourism and promote a more sustainable approach to the island’s economic growth.
Expert Opinions and Future Outlook
Experts suggest that Bali’s trash crisis is a symptom of broader environmental challenges faced by popular tourist destinations worldwide. Dr. Made Suarnata, an environmental scientist at Udayana University, commented, “The rapid growth in tourism has outpaced the island’s waste management infrastructure. It’s crucial for Bali to adopt more sustainable practices.”
Meanwhile, local businesses and community groups have started grassroots initiatives to tackle the waste issue. Organizations like Bye Bye Plastic Bags, founded by Balinese sisters Melati and Isabel Wijsen, have been advocating for a plastic-free Bali since 2013, gaining international recognition for their efforts.
By the Numbers: Bali recorded 7.05 million foreign tourist arrivals in 2025, the highest figure in the past decade.
Despite the challenges, Bali’s allure remains strong. The island’s unique culture, stunning landscapes, and warm hospitality continue to draw visitors from around the globe. However, the ongoing trash crisis serves as a stark reminder of the delicate balance between tourism and environmental sustainability.
As Bali navigates this critical juncture, the coming months will be pivotal in determining whether the island can maintain its status as a top global destination while preserving its natural beauty for future generations.
