DENPASAR — A warm and friendly atmosphere colored the evening gathering and dinner between Bali Governor Wayan Koster and the visiting delegation from Commission VII of the Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR RI), led by its Chairperson Saleh Partaonan Daulay, at the Kertasabha Hall, Jayasabha, Denpasar, on Thursday (30/10).
The event, accompanied by traditional Balinese music and the serving of local arak mixed with unsweetened coffee — a symbol of mutual cooperation and support for local MSME products — became a forum for both parties to discuss the direction of development and the future of clean energy and sustainable tourism in Bali.
Governor Koster presented the Bali 2026–2029 Grand Development Agenda, focusing on four main priorities: basic infrastructure, source-based waste management, strengthening clean water availability, and achieving clean energy independence.
“The increase in tourist arrivals has been extraordinary. Therefore, we must manage our infrastructure, water, and waste systems properly so everything remains in balance,” said Governor Koster.
Recent data shows that as of October 2025, Bali receives an average of 23,000 international visitors per day, and the number is projected to reach 7.1 million by year’s end, surpassing pre-pandemic levels.
Bali Leads in Waste Management and Clean Energy
In the environmental sector, Bali has been designated a national priority province for a waste-to-energy project supported directly by the President of Indonesia. The provincial government has prepared a six-hectare site in the Denpasar–Badung area, capable of processing 1,000 tons of waste per day. Construction will begin in early 2026 and is expected to be completed within two years.
Governor Koster also reaffirmed his commitment to clean energy, emphasizing the ban on coal-fired power plants on the island.
“We want Bali to be fully self-reliant with environmentally friendly energy. There will be no more coal power plants on this island,” he stated firmly.
This commitment aligns with Bali’s vision to achieve 100% organic agriculture by 2028, with 60% of rice fields already converted to organic systems.
Advancing Sustainable and Cultural Tourism
Governor Koster also outlined Bali’s transition toward quality and sustainable tourism, emphasizing culture as its foundation. A new Regional Regulation on Quality Tourism Management is being prepared, adopting a quota system similar to Bhutan’s, which limits the number of visitors to protect the island’s cultural and environmental carrying capacity.
Koster also addressed the proliferation of illegal villas operating without proper permits or tax payments.
“Some are renting villas for as low as Rp200,000–300,000 per night for 6–18 people without a license. This harms local revenue. We will ensure the system becomes fair and well-regulated,” he asserted.
He also criticized the Online Single Submission (OSS) system for not aligning with Bali’s spatial planning and the sanctity of temple zones. He plans to propose a revision to make OSS more adaptive to local interests and regulations.
The evening was enlivened by traditional performances from Karangasem Regency, showcasing the cultural richness that remains the soul of Bali’s tourism identity.
“We seek continued support from Commission VII so that Bali can remain a world-class destination rooted in culture and sustainability,” Koster concluded.
Commission VII DPR RI: Bali as a National Model
Commission VII Chairperson Saleh Partaonan Daulay expressed high appreciation for Governor Koster’s initiatives, stating that Bali has become a national benchmark for tourism management.
“When we drafted the Tourism Bill, our minds immediately turned to Bali,” Daulay said, followed by applause from the audience.
He further pledged support for waste management and clean energy initiatives, aligning with the Ministry of Environment’s policy direction and the newly issued Presidential Regulation on waste management.
“Waste has become a major national issue. For Bali, we are committed to helping ensure it can be resolved quickly and effectively,” Daulay added.
Commission VII also praised the effectiveness of the Bali Tourism Board as a promotional body, calling it an inspiration for establishing a similar national-level institution.
The delegation also commended the development of the Bali International Hospital, inaugurated five months ago, as a strategic step to strengthen Indonesia’s health tourism.
“With nearly six million international visitors, building an international hospital in Bali is the right move. We must not lag behind Singapore or Malaysia,” Daulay remarked.
He further encouraged that Balinese doctors be prioritized to serve at the hospital, supported by scholarships from institutions such as LPDP or state-owned enterprises.
“We want the doctors there to be the pride of Bali. We are ready to help through our national networks,” he added.
Collaboration for a Global Bali
The evening concluded with an exchange of souvenirs between Governor Wayan Koster and Chairperson Saleh Partaonan Daulay, symbolizing mutual respect and collaboration.
Both leaders agreed that Bali’s future depends not only on its natural beauty but also on its ability to maintain harmony between development, environment, and culture.
“If Bali continues to shine globally, we will have every reason to visit more often,” Daulay said with a smile.
With strong collaboration between central and regional governments, Bali continues to affirm its position as a benchmark for progress and a model of sustainable development in Indonesia.****
