As the Bali Provincial Government intensifies efforts to address the island’s waste and traffic management challenges, it is also reaping the rewards of its thriving tourism industry. Despite the logistical hurdles, Bali continues to attract record numbers of international visitors, underscoring its enduring appeal as a premier travel destination.
At the recently concluded Bali and Beyond Travel Fair (BBTF) 2025, Bali governor I Wayan Koster shared the government’s latest initiatives to tackle the island’s pressing environmental and infrastructure concerns. Koster announced the formation of dedicated task forces that will accelerate source-based waste management and implement eco-friendly technologies for processing both organic and non-organic waste. Furthermore, the government plans to ban the production of plastic bottled water under one litre in Bali.
To alleviate Bali’s notorious traffic congestion, the governor said the authorities will examine work and school schedules, while restricting the operation of logistics vehicles during the day. Improvements to public transportation, including the construction of underpasses, are also in the pipeline.
Despite these challenges, Bali continues to draw record numbers of international visitors. In 2024, the island welcomed 6.4 million international arrivals, surpassing its previous peak in 2019. This positive trend has continued into 2025, with a 11% increase in international arrivals during the first five months of the year compared to the same period in 2024.
As Koster noted, “Bali’s economy grows when tourism grows, because the sector contributes 66 per cent of Bali’s economy.” Indonesia’s minister of tourism, Widiyanti Putri Wardhana, echoed this sentiment, highlighting Bali’s role as a “strategic hub” for travellers exploring the country. The minister also emphasized BBTF’s commitment to promoting lesser-known destinations in the greater Bali region, such as Jembrana, Buleleng, and Banyuwangi, as well as enhancing the appeal of northern, western Bali, and East Java while managing tourism density in South Bali.
By tackling its waste and traffic issues head-on while capitalizing on its enduring popularity as a top travel destination, Bali is poised to maintain its position as a crown jewel of Indonesia’s tourism industry.
