In a concrete step to reduce plastic waste in Bali, the Island’s Governor, Wayan Koster, issued a formal circular memorandum on Sunday, 06 April 2025 (Number 9 of 2025).
The order issued by the Governor expressly halts the production and distribution of mineral water in plastic containers in Bali with capacities of less than one liter. The decree effectively ends plastic cups of water, small drinking bottles, or half-liter water containers.
In issuing the decree, the Provincial Government of Bali stated that eliminating plastic containers with capacities of less than one liter will represent a collective, systematic, integrated, and culturally based action to alleviate the growing trash problem.
The circular memorandum is intended to dramatically reduce plastic waste across six sectors: offices, traditional villages, businesses, hotels and restaurants, educational institutions, marketplaces, and places of worship.
The decree by the Governor includes severe enforcement provisions. Sanctions include revocation of company permits and licenses and suspension of financial aid to traditional villages. Conversely, community members who consistently support the program to eliminate one-time-use plastics will be given government incentives and rewards.
Governor Koster directs all components of Balinese society to support the anti-plastic campaign, including the armed forces, the Indonesian police, village chiefs, community leaders, and community organizers.
“We must stop using single-use plastic and process waste starting from the source. Use compost, maggots, animal feed, or other modern systems. This is a collective movement, not just a campaign,” Koster said.
The Governor prohibits the use, production, and distribution of drinking water in containers measuring less than one liter.
The Governor also now requires all businesses in Bal to implement an environmentally friendly code of operation.
“Green hotels, green malls, green restaurants – that’s the future of Bali. If a destination is not environmentally friendly, don’t expect to be visited by international travelers,” the Governor said firmly.
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