Governor Koster: Monthly Initiative to Realize a Green and Sustainable Bali
BALI — Thousands of Balinese residents joined a massive environmental initiative titled Gotong Royong Semesta Berencana (Collective Action for Universal Harmony), planting 35,000 trees and cleaning rivers across the island in a coordinated effort to restore nature and strengthen community participation.
The main event, led by Bali Governor I Wayan Koster, took place at the Ayung River Basin in Bongkasa Pertiwi Village, Badung Regency, as part of the observance of Rahina Tumpek Wariga—a sacred Balinese day dedicated to honoring plants and nature. Similar actions were simultaneously held across Bali’s regencies and cities, led by respective mayors and regents.
Governor Koster was joined by Badung Regent I Wayan Adi Arnawa, military and police officials, civil servants, community volunteers, and environmental groups. In total, over 29,000 participants took part in the island-wide event, planting trees across 591 hectares and cleaning 492 kilometers of riverbanks.
“This initiative will now be held every month to expand green cover, restore river ecosystems, and ensure Bali remains clean and harmonious,” Koster said. “If we do this consistently at all levels—provincial, municipal, and village—we can recover degraded lands within four years.”
The governor explained that 25 native and beneficial tree species were planted, including frangipani, champaca, avocado, mango, mahogany, banyan, and coconut—chosen for their ecological, cultural, and economic value. “These trees support our rituals, provide food and health benefits, and help maintain ecological balance,” he said.
Koster also emphasized the importance of cleaning rivers to prevent flooding and protect freshwater resources ahead of the rainy season. “If our rivers and their water die, humanity cannot survive,” he warned.
Meanwhile, Badung Regent I Wayan Adi Arnawa reaffirmed his commitment to expand the program throughout his regency’s six districts. “Each regional office will act as a foster unit for 62 villages and subdistricts. By doing this regularly, we can revive the culture of gotong royong and build cleaner communities,” he said.
After the activities, Governor Koster held a live video conference with regents and mayors across Bali to receive reports from parallel actions conducted in their regions.
The Gotong Royong Semesta Berencana movement aligns with Bali’s long-term vision, “Nangun Sat Kerthi Loka Bali,” which aims to achieve a green, harmonious, and sustainable island for the next 100 years (2025–2125). ***
