BALINEWSID.COM, DENPASAR – Bali Governor Wayan Koster has warned that the provincial government will stop distributing Special Financial Assistance (Bantuan Keuangan Khusus/BKK) to regencies and cities that fail to seriously implement source-based waste management.

The firm statement was delivered during a briefing with village heads and urban ward leaders across Denpasar at the Sewaka Dharma Building on Monday (March 9, 2026).

In his remarks, Koster emphasized that Bali has now entered a crucial phase in addressing its growing waste problem. He said the current period should serve as a critical deadline for the implementation of waste management at the source in order to reduce the burden on the Suwung Final Disposal Site (TPA Suwung).

Koster explained that Denpasar City already has relatively comprehensive regulatory instruments for waste management, ranging from regional regulations and mayoral regulations to mayoral instructions. However, he noted that similar frameworks are still lacking in several other regencies across Bali.

According to him, some areas still face serious challenges in managing waste due to incomplete regulatory frameworks.

Several regions identified as still struggling with waste management include Buleleng, Karangasem, Gianyar, Bangli, Jembrana, and Tabanan.

Therefore, after intensifying waste management efforts in Denpasar, Badung, and at the provincial level, the Bali Provincial Government plans to expand stronger waste management policies to other regencies.

Koster stressed that the commitment of regency and city governments to implement proper waste management will be a key requirement for receiving financial support from the Bali Provincial Government.

He even warned that BKK funds will not be disbursed if local governments fail to demonstrate serious efforts to manage waste at the source.

“Since 2023 the BKK budget has already been reduced. The province will only distribute it if there is clear commitment and a system for source-based waste management. If it is not implemented, we will not provide BKK assistance, either for infrastructure or other programs,” Koster said.

During the event, Koster also expressed appreciation for the support from the central government in addressing Bali’s waste issue, particularly from Minister of Environment and Forestry Hanif Faisol Nurofiq.

He said Bali has received special attention due to its status as one of the world’s leading tourist destinations, which must be supported by a healthy environmental ecosystem.

“Bali is the number one world tourism destination, and it must be supported by a good environmental ecosystem. Not only tourism, but our entire region needs a healthy environment,” he said.

Koster added that environmental quality is a crucial factor in maintaining the sustainability of Bali’s tourism sector while also protecting public health across the island. (FF)