The Bali Provincial Government is intensifying efforts to address the island’s longstanding issues with waste management and traffic congestion. Through the formation of dedicated task forces, the local authorities aim to accelerate source-based waste processing and implement environmentally friendly technologies to handle both organic and non-organic waste.
In a move to tackle the problem of plastic pollution, Bali will ban the production of plastic bottled water under one litre. Additionally, the government is exploring adjustments to work and school schedules, as well as restricting daytime operations for logistics vehicles, in a bid to alleviate the island’s notorious traffic woes. Improvements to public transportation infrastructure, including the planning of underpasses, are also underway.
Despite these ongoing challenges, Bali’s tourism sector continues to thrive. Koster, the Bali governor, revealed that international arrivals reached 6.4 million in 2024, surpassing the destination’s previous peak in 2019. Furthermore, in the first five months of 2025, international visitor numbers have risen by 11% compared to the same period last year.
Koster emphasized the pivotal role of tourism in Bali’s economy, stating that the sector contributes 66% to the island’s overall economic performance. Indonesia’s Minister of Tourism, Widiyanti Putri Wardhana, echoed this sentiment, highlighting Bali’s strategic position as a “crown jewel” of the country, contributing 44% to Indonesia’s foreign exchange earnings.
At the recent Bali and Beyond Travel Fair (BBTF) 2025, the minister reaffirmed the event’s commitment to promoting travel to the greater Bali region, including Jembrana, Buleleng, and Banyuwangi, as well as enhancing the appeal of northern and western Bali and East Java. This multifaceted approach aims to manage tourism density in the popular South Bali area while diversifying the visitor experience across the broader region.
Bali’s resilience in the face of environmental and infrastructural challenges, coupled with its enduring allure as a premier tourist destination, underscores the island’s importance as a cornerstone of Indonesia’s tourism industry. As the local government continues to address these issues, the future of Bali’s tourism landscape looks promising, with opportunities for sustainable growth and diversification.
To learn more about Bali’s diverse tourism offerings, visit Bali Tourism. For information on planning your Bali getaway, check out TripAdvisor’s Bali travel guide.
