Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto Criticizes Bali Government over Waste Crisis, Warns of Tourism Impact
On February 2, 2026, Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto publicly criticized the Bali provincial government for its handling of the island’s escalating waste management crisis. Speaking at the 2026 National Coordination Meeting of the Central and Regional Governments in Bogor, West Java, Prabowo highlighted the urgent need to address the cleanliness issues that are threatening Bali’s tourism industry and the country’s international reputation.
President Prabowo shared reports from foreign dignitaries who recently visited Bali and expressed disappointment with the condition of the island’s environment. "I was in South Korea meeting some ministers, generals… They told me, ‘Your Excellency, I just came from Bali, it’s so dirty now, it’s not nice,’” he said, reflecting on the feedback he received. He acknowledged the criticism as a call for collective action to improve the situation.
Tourism is a vital sector for Indonesia, known for its natural beauty and cultural attractions, and it also serves as a significant source of employment. However, the worsening waste problem, including trash-strewn beaches, is undermining Bali’s appeal to visitors. “Indonesia is beautiful. People want to come, but they see slums. They want to go to Bali but the beaches are dirty,” Prabowo emphasized during the meeting, which was broadcast live.
To tackle the crisis, President Prabowo warned that if local governments fail to act swiftly in managing the waste issue, the central government would not hesitate to deploy military and police personnel to support clean-up efforts. The president’s comments underscore the seriousness with which the Indonesian government views the environmental challenges in Bali and its commitment to preserving the island’s status as a world-class tourist destination.
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