nvironment Minister Hanif Faisal Nurofiq has proposed imposing minor criminal penalties on Bali residents who violate waste management regulations, as the popular tourist destination grapples with a worsening waste crisis.
Hanif said Bali was ready for stricter enforcement, citing that an estimated 60–70 percent of residents have adopted waste-sorting practices. This marks a significant improvement compared with other regions, where unsorted waste collection and disposal systems remain prevalent despite regulations mandating waste separation.
Hanif described the progress in Bali’s waste management as a significant achievement that must be sustained through consistent law enforcement.
“Building the habit of sorting waste isn’t easy, but Bali has made real progress. It’s only fair that those who follow the rules are protected. Anyone who breaks them should face minor criminal penalties, in fairness to the community that has made the effort,” he said on Friday as quoted by state news agency Antara.
Hanif has proposed imposing minor criminal penalties on residents who refuse to sort their waste, burn it, or litter.
He said the measures could position Bali as a model for other regions, demonstrating that meaningful changes in public behavior in waste management can be achieved in a relatively short time.
Every Monday, Wednesday and Friday morning.
I Gusti Ngurah Jaya Negara, mayor of Bali’s provincial capital Denpasar, said minor criminal penalties for waste management violations would be rolled out gradually, prioritizing public education.
