Bali Provincial Government is currently focusing on tackling the issue of single-use plastic waste. One concrete policy already implemented is the ban on the production of bottled drinking water in packaging smaller than one liter. However, this policy has faced criticism for being unfair, as sachet-type plastic packaging is still widely used in the business sector.
In response, Bali’s Vice Governor, I Nyoman Giri Prasta, expressed his full support for the ban on small-sized plastic bottled drinking water, seeing it as part of the effort to maintain environmental cleanliness on the Island of the Gods.
“We’re currently addressing plastic used in bottled drinks under one liter. And this has been fully supported except by Danone. Danone requested two years because their products have already been widely distributed. That’s what the governor meant,” Giri explained at the Bali Governor’s Office on Tuesday (July 15, 2025).
He also emphasized the importance of conducting a comprehensive review of other plastic waste types, such as sachets, which he said are even more difficult to decompose.
“We have already conducted a study on these small sachets. Whether the decision will be made this year or next year is still under consideration,” he added.
Starting in 2026
Giri acknowledged that the restriction on small-sized bottled drinking water has sparked protests from local business actors, particularly the local bottled water industry, who consider the policy unfair if not accompanied by a ban on other plastic packaging.
He stressed that the plastic waste issue cannot be handled partially. He views the restriction on small bottled drinking water packaging as an initial step toward a cleaner and greener Bali.
“Dr. Wayan Koster is wise in this matter. What does that mean? It means looking ahead so that our children and grandchildren can live in a clean and green Bali. That’s what I believe,” said Giri.
Although there is no current ban on other plastic packaging types like sachets, Giri Prasta confirmed that discussions have been held.
“It’s already being discussed, and the decision will come in due time,” Giri said.
He mentioned that the Bali Provincial Government plans to ban the production of sachet plastic starting in 2026, as a response to recommendations from environmental activists.
According to Detik.com, “I fully support this. A study has already been conducted on these small sachets whether the decision comes this year or next,” he reiterated.
Previously, the Chairman of the Gerindra-PSI Faction in Bali’s Regional House of Representatives, I Gede Harja Astawa, urged the provincial government not to be selective in handling plastic waste.
“Plastic packaging is not only used for bottled water, but also in many other food and non-food products,” he emphasized. He warned that partial bans could lead to resentment among business actors.
In agreement, businessman of bottled drinking water Nyoman Arta Widnyana also called on the government to take a holistic approach to waste management. He suggested banning all plastic-wrapped products sold in minimarkets for fairness.
He cited data from Sungai Watch showing that PET bottle waste accounts for only 4.4% of total plastic waste, while sachets account for 5.5%, plastic bags 15.2%, and clear plastic 16.2%. Other waste types include tetrapacks (19,254 items), flavored drink cups (17,274 items), and hard plastics (17,207 items).
Meanwhile, the Coordinator of the Plastic Waste Census from BRUIN (Nusantara River Research Agency), Muhammad Kholif Basyaiban, urged the Bali government to refer to existing national regulations namely Law No. 18 of 2008 on Waste Management and Minister of Environment and Forestry Regulation No. 75 of 2019.
“All circular letters, regulations, and decrees must refer to the Waste Management Law and the Environment Ministry’s regulation. There should be no discriminatory targeting of specific plastic waste types—it must cover all types,” Kholif emphasized in a release received Monday (July 14, 2025).
Sources: Detikbali, Balipost.
Feat Image: ©Jilson Tiu/Greenpeace