The governor of Bali has prohibited the use of single-use plastic bottles in an effort to tackle pollution, which has ignited discussions about the environmental benefits as well as the concerns raised by businesses.
A comprehensive new prohibition on tiny plastic water bottles in Bali has sparked criticism and opposition.
Indonesia
s beverage and plastic sectors, despite this move being celebrated by environmental groups as a significant stride toward addressing the nation’s escalating waste problem and microplastic pollution.
Governor I Wayan Koster introduced the Bali Clean Waste Movement earlier this month with the aim of making the island, which houses 4.3 million inhabitants, free from waste by 2027. This new strategy expands upon an ordinance issued in 2018 that prohibited plastic bags at stores and eateries—a regulation later embraced by urban centers such as Jakarta.
The recently implemented regulation, the first of its type in Indonesia, came into force in April. It bans the manufacturing, dissemination, and selling of
single-use plastic water bottles
less than one liter. Additionally, it requires waste segregation at the origin point for government buildings, corporate entities, retail spaces, educational institutions, and religious sites.
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On April 6, when addressing journalists, Koster stated that companies manufacturing drinks ought to opt for glass containers rather than plastic ones for their items.
He cautioned that communities not adhering to these regulations may lose their financial support and incentives, whereas non-compliant enterprises might have their permits revoked and could be publicly identified as “not environmentally friendly” through the province’s social media platforms.
Each day, Bali produces approximately 3,436 tons of waste, with 60 percent being organic matter that can be managed, as stated by Koster at the initiative’s unveiling on April 11. By comparison, just 17 percent of the plastic waste is presently recyclable, he noted additionally.
Nearly 24 per cent of the island’s waste never reaches a rubbish bin, while 43 per cent is sent to a landfill. The remainder is managed through various waste reduction and processing systems.
Koster additionally pointed out that a significant portion of the waste appearing on Bali’s shores during the monsoon season originates beyond the island itself—chiefly from regions like East Java, Kalimantan, and Sulawesi.
Killing the industry?
Even though they recognize the intention of the policy, business leaders have voiced worries regarding its impact on Bali’s culinary industry.
“If we consider the aim and intention behind the ban, it’s quite appropriate; however, what’s regrettable is why it needs to restrict the manufacture of drinking water under one liter. Such restrictions interfere with the food and beverage industry,” stated I Nengah Nurlaba, the head of the Indonesian Employers Association in Bali, in an announcement made on April 20, according to the online publication Detik.
Triyono Prijosuesilo, who leads the Soft Drink Industry Association, stated that the prohibition could lead to a 5 percent decrease in sector earnings.
“The Bali market holds significant size within the ready-to-drink beverages sector due to the high number of tourists, steady economic development, which consequently leads to substantial opportunities,” said Triyono during an interview with journalists on May 14th.
Bali’s waste issue cannot be resolved solely through a ban, since plastic waste constitutes only a smaller portion compared to organic waste and waste generated during religious events, according to Fajar Budiono, who serves as the secretary general of the Indonesian Olefins, Aromatics, and Plastics Association.
“What is the true intent behind the ban? If it aims at reducing waste, it seems rather distant from achieving this goal. However, if the objective is to streamline waste management, then we must comply,” Fajar stated to This Week in Asia.
Fajar contends that although environmental prohibitions like those on single-use plastic bags and straws are motivated by good intentions, they may result in new issues.
“Fajar mentioned that the prohibition on plastic bags has increased the use of versatile bags, including those still made from plastic. Bamboo and metal straws have taken the place of plastic ones,” he explained. “However, in certain areas, people resort to using dish soap for cleaning these new types of straws, leading to water pollution. This dish soap also promotes the rapid growth of water hyacinth further upriver,” he added.
The perennial water hyacinths might obstruct the water channels and impede the development of aquatic organisms in the streams.
Fajar expressed his support for measures like prohibiting open dumping and unauthorized waste disposal areas. However, he recommended that the Bali government continue to innovate and discover suitable technologies to handle waste effectively, potentially even transforming it into energy.
Danger of microplastics
Unlike many in the industry, anti-single-use plastic advocates like Ni Made Diyah Darma Yanti from Bali view the ban positively, calling it “a commendable development from our governor,” even though full implementation has yet to be achieved.
Following the launch of this regulation last month, small plastic bottles of drinking water continue to be sold at supermarkets. Since these items remain accessible, tourists are still purchasing them. According to Diyah, who coordinates the single-use plastic reduction program at the Bali Environmental Education Center, or PPLH Bali, they plan to initiate a campaign addressing this issue soon.
A report from last year conducted by the environmental organization Sungai Watch revealed that among the ten most contaminating brands identified in rivers across Bali and East Java’s Banyuwangi region, nine consisted of bottled drinks. Leading this list was a popular mineral water brand manufactured by the global food and beverage corporation Danone.
In last year’s study, PPLH Bali examined food and beverages packaged in single-use plastics from cafeterias of two local schools on the island and discovered that every sample included microplastic contamination.
“That’s why decreasing reliance on single-use plastics has become critical. Plastics contain numerous chemical components that take an extensive period to break down,” stated Diyah.
A portion of the plastic breaks down into microplastics, which are now present in our children’s food sources, indicating that our kids are already exposed to contamination.
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