The City of Denpasar is opening new opportunities for international collaboration. On Wednesday (September 24, 2025), Denpasar Mayor I Gusti Ngurah Jaya Negara welcomed Pekka Kaihilahti, the Finnish Ambassador to Indonesia, at the mayor’s office to discuss potential cooperation between the Balinese capital and Finland.
Finland and Indonesia have already developed cooperation in several areas, including smart building projects and waste management initiatives. Finland, known for its digitalization and environmental technology expertise, is seen as a valuable partner for cities like Denpasar that face modern urban challenges.
According to Ambassador Kaihilahti, Finland can provide advanced solutions to help Denpasar deal with pressing issues such as waste.
“Finland has advanced technology for waste management that could help Denpasar address its garbage problems,” said Kaihilahti, as quoted by DetikBali.
Beyond waste solutions, the ambassador also highlighted opportunities in the development of smart cities, where technology is used to improve efficiency, sustainability, and the quality of urban life.
“We can also explore a sister city collaboration. Such cooperation could involve multiple stakeholders, including city governments, educational institutions, and the private sector,” Kaihilahti added.
Denpasar’s Commitment to Smart Solutions
Mayor Jaya Negara warmly welcomed the proposal, emphasizing that cooperation with Finland could help Denpasar resolve long-standing urban challenges through modern technology.
He noted that partnerships with international stakeholders can provide valuable knowledge and innovation for Denpasar’s future.
“With good cooperation, Denpasar can benefit from the experience and technology of other countries to improve the quality of life for its residents and become a model for other cities in Indonesia,” Jaya Negara said, as quoted by NusaBali.
The mayor also stressed that such collaborations can go beyond waste management and smart city initiatives. Areas like education, digital infrastructure, and urban planning are also seen as potential fields where Finland’s expertise could bring significant improvements.
Addressing Urban Challenges in Bali
Denpasar, as Bali’s capital, continues to face rapid urbanization, population growth, and rising waste management needs. The city’s leaders believe that adopting Finland’s technology-driven solutions can help strike a balance between economic growth, sustainability, and improved public services.
Collaborations in waste recycling, renewable energy, and smart infrastructure are expected to be at the center of the discussions. Denpasar is also considering partnerships in cultural exchange and academic cooperation through potential sister city agreements.
A Step Toward International Partnerships
Both Denpasar and Finland share the same vision of creating greener, smarter, and more livable cities. This meeting between Mayor Jaya Negara and Ambassador Kaihilahti signals the beginning of broader international cooperation that could benefit not only Denpasar but also set a precedent for other Indonesian cities.
By combining Finland’s world-class expertise in environmental technology with Denpasar’s commitment to urban innovation, the collaboration could transform the city into a model of sustainable development in Southeast Asia.
“Hopefully, this cooperation will bring great benefits to the people of Denpasar and improve overall welfare,” Mayor Jaya Negara concluded.
Source: DetikBali, Nusa Bali
Photo Credit: Dok. Humas Pemkot Denpasar