Bali Today – Ubud, July 26, 2025
By Giostanovlatto
Bali’s tourism authority is done playing nice. Armed with Governor’s Decree No. 9/2025, inspection teams are storming hotels and restaurants across Badung and Denpasar in unannounced raids. Their mission? Expose who’s faking their eco-commitments.
The “Bali Bersih” Blitz: What You Need to Know
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Target: Every tourism business from 5-star resorts to warungs
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Checklist: Plastic ban compliance, on-site waste processing, staff training
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Phase 1: Badung/Denpasar (July-August 2025)
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Phase 2: Island-wide enforcement (September 2025 onward)
“Self-assessment won’t cut it anymore,” warns Tourism Chief I Wayan Sumarajaya. “We’re done with greenwashing Instagram posts – show us your trash bins.”
Why This Hurts More Than a Bintang Hangover
The governor’s circular hits where it counts:
✓ Single-use plastic ban: No more “eco-resort” branding while serving plastic-wrapped straws
✓ Source separation: Organic waste must be composted, not dumped with chemicals
✓ Transparency: Businesses must publicly display waste management certificates
First Offense: Warning + mandatory training
Repeat Violators: Fines up to Rp50 million (~$3,200) + social media shaming
The Dirty Truth Behind Bali’s “Green” Resorts
While luxury hotels flaunt bamboo straws, inspectors are finding:
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“Recycling rooms” that secretly truck waste to illegal dumps
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Compost bins used as props for guest photos (contents never processed)
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Staff uniforms embroidered with “sustainability” – while workers drink from single-use sachets
Local Businesses Fight Back (The Right Way)
Warung Kecil in Canggu now offers 10% discounts for customers bringing containers.
“Our monthly plastic use dropped 80%,” owner Ketut reveals. “The inspectors actually smiled last week.”
Tourists: Part of the Solution or Problem?
Your Bali holiday now comes with new rules:
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BYO bottle or pay 300% markup for glass-bottled water
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Refuse plastic bags – vendors face fines if caught distributing them
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Ask questions: “Where does your wet waste go?” should be as common as “WiFi password?”
The Stakes? Higher Than Mount Agung
“Trash and traffic will kill Bali’s tourism golden goose,” Sumarajaya states bluntly. Recent surveys show:
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68% of travelers reconsider visits after seeing plastic-choked beaches
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Cleanup costs have doubled since 2023 to Rp28 billion annually
The Irony: Instagram’s #Baliness beauty hides a garbage reality the algorithm won’t show you.
How to Vacation Without Being Part of the Problem
✓ Pack a foldable cutlery set (the new Bali essential)
✓ Book “Zero Waste Certified” stays (real ones display QR-linked permits)
✓ Join beach cleanups – many bars offer free drinks for bagged trash
Final Warning:
That plastic-wrapped “authentic Balinese souvenir”? It might cost the seller their license soon. The island is done choosing between tourism dollars and livability – now it demands both.
