President Prabowo Subianto Highlights Bali’s Waste Management Issues and Tourism Risks
BOGOR, Indonesia — President Prabowo Subianto has publicly criticized Bali’s handling of waste management, warning that the island’s growing garbage pollution presents a serious threat to its tourism industry and Indonesia’s international reputation.
Speaking at a national coordination meeting between central and regional government officials in Bogor this Monday, Prabowo emphasized the vital role cleanliness plays in attracting foreign visitors. He pointed out that Bali’s waste problem, previously viewed as a seasonal challenge, has evolved into a long-term structural issue that erodes the island’s standing as a premier global tourist destination.
“No tourist comes to see garbage. Bali’s beaches are dirty now,” Prabowo stated, underscoring that the current situation cannot be tolerated in a region widely promoted as Indonesia’s tourism flagship.
According to the President, senior officials from South Korea visiting Bali recently expressed disappointment regarding visible waste across tourist areas. Prabowo accepted these observations as valid criticism and called on regional governments to address the issue collaboratively rather than minimize its importance.
“I take this as criticism. This is something we must address together,” he said, also offering an apology to Bali’s regional leaders present at the forum while stressing the urgent need for corrective action.
In response, Bali Governor Wayan Koster acknowledged the concerns and pledged to take immediate steps to improve waste management efforts. He explained much of the garbage seen on Bali’s beaches is carried there by rivers during heavy rains, often hindering cleanup operations in a timely manner.
Koster added that the provincial government plans to deploy a dedicated coastal cleanup task force and enhance inter-agency coordination. He also maintained that Bali currently possesses adequate waste management infrastructure and committed to intensifying enforcement measures as scrutiny over the island’s environmental conditions increases.
The criticism comes amid continuing attention to Bali’s environmental and logistical challenges, including growing reports on traffic congestion and infrastructure development affecting the island’s tourism sector.
President Prabowo’s remarks highlight growing awareness at the national level about environmental sustainability’s vital role in maintaining Bali’s status as a world-class travel destination. Implementation of enhanced waste control and collaborative governance will be critical for Bali’s ongoing appeal to international tourists.
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