DENPASAR, Bali – Bali Governor Wayan Koster is pushing for a radical shift in how the island handles its mounting waste problem, aiming to eliminate landfills like the sprawling Suwung Landfill by 2027. The move comes as concerns escalate over the environmental and public health impacts of the decades-old facility, which has develop into a symbol of Bali’s waste management challenges. This ambitious plan centers on a combination of local responsibility, financial incentives, and a significant investment in waste-to-energy technology, marking a turning point in the province’s approach to sustainability.
The Suwung Landfill, serving the densely populated areas of Denpasar and Badung, has long exceeded its capacity, growing into what Koster described as a “mountain of garbage.” The situation reached a critical point recently with the prosecution of Made Teja, the former head of Bali’s Environment Agency, for alleged mismanagement of the landfill. According to officials, leachate from the site has been polluting both the sea and vital water sources, posing a direct threat to public health. Sustainable waste governance is now a top priority for the island.
A Shift in Financial Responsibility
Governor Koster announced a significant policy change during a plenary session of the Bali Regional People’s Representative Council (DPRD) on Wednesday. Starting in 2027, districts and cities across Bali will be prohibited from sending waste to landfills modeled after Suwung. Instead, a special financial assistance package – known as BKK – will be allocated specifically for waste management initiatives at the regional level. “The BKK provided in 2027 will be intended for waste management in each region,” Koster stated, emphasizing that funding will be contingent on demonstrable progress. Districts failing to take ownership of their waste issues will be ineligible for the assistance.
This financial incentive is designed to encourage local governments to prioritize waste reduction, sorting, and processing within their own jurisdictions. The move acknowledges that a centralized landfill approach has proven unsustainable and that a more decentralized, localized strategy is essential. The governor’s office has not yet released specific details on the amount of BKK funding that will be available, but officials have indicated it will be substantial enough to support meaningful infrastructure improvements.
Closing Suwung and Managing the Transition
The Suwung Landfill is already undergoing a phased closure. Restrictions on the types of waste accepted began on March 31, 2026, limiting intake to only inorganic and residual waste. Complete closure is scheduled for August 1, 2026. This timeline necessitates a rapid and coordinated effort from the Bali Provincial Government, along with the administrations of Denpasar City and Badung District, to manage organic waste effectively. Current efforts focus on processing organic waste at its source, with a strong emphasis on community involvement and support.
The immediate challenge lies in diverting the vast quantities of waste currently destined for Suwung. Local governments are being urged to implement comprehensive recycling programs, promote composting initiatives, and explore other innovative waste reduction strategies. The Indonesian government is too exploring economic opportunities that could arise from the closure of open dumping landfills, including potential revenue streams from recycled materials.
Waste-to-Energy as a Long-Term Solution
To address the long-term waste management needs of Bali, the provincial government is investing in waste-to-energy (PSEL) technology. A novel facility is planned for construction on a 6-hectare plot of land owned by PT Pelindo in South Denpasar. Governor Koster announced that construction has already begun, with a groundbreaking ceremony slated for the finish of June 2026. The project is expected to take 1.5 years to complete and will have a processing capacity of at least 1,200 tons of waste per day.
The PSEL plant is intended to significantly reduce the amount of waste sent to landfills, converting it into a usable energy source. Even as the specific technology being employed has not been publicly disclosed, waste-to-energy facilities typically utilize incineration or gasification processes to generate electricity or heat. Minister Hasan has previously urged regions to explore converting waste into electricity as a sustainable solution.
The success of this ambitious plan hinges on effective collaboration between provincial and local governments, robust community engagement, and the timely completion of the PSEL facility. The next key milestone will be the groundbreaking ceremony in June 2026, marking a tangible step towards a cleaner, more sustainable future for Bali. Residents and stakeholders are encouraged to stay informed about local waste management initiatives and participate in efforts to reduce, reuse, and recycle.
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