Jakarta (ANTARA) - Environment Minister Hanif Faisol Nurofiq has expressed support for Bali to become a pioneer in modern waste management, free from open dumping or the uncontrolled piling of waste without proper management or reduction.
In a statement issued in Jakarta on Wednesday, Minister Nurofiq referred to the planned closure of the Suwung Final Disposal Site (TPA Suwung), effective March 1, 2026.
He said the strategic move aims to safeguard Bali’s tourism competitiveness and environmental sustainability, as the island is currently at a high level of vulnerability due to unresolved waste issues.
“Waste management is not merely an environmental issue but a serious public health challenge. I urge all regional leaders to have the courage to make strategic decisions and demonstrate strong commitment to end open dumping practices, as mandated by law,” Minister Nurofiq stated.
“The closure of TPA Suwung marks a turning point for Bali to prove that a world-class tourism destination must be matched by equally high standards of environmental management,” he added.
Furthermore, Nurofiq, during a coordination meeting at the Bali Governor’s Office in Denpasar, instructed the acceleration of readiness at the Landih Final Disposal Site (TPA Landih) in Bangli as a temporary alternative location for waste diverted from Denpasar and Badung, while awaiting the completion of the Bali Waste to Energy project.
He emphasized that only residual waste may be sent to TPA Landih, underscoring that primary waste management must be carried out collaboratively at the source with community involvement. He also reminded area managers and business operators of their obligation to sort and manage waste independently.
According to the minister, these measures are necessary to improve Bali’s waste emergency status and prevent the province from receiving a “dirty city” classification under Indonesia’s Adipura environmental assessment program.
Minister Hanif also underlined that the development of TPA Landih must be accompanied by optimal construction and strengthened facilities to avoid creating new problems in the future.
