Eyewitness – DENPASAR
Following a day of intense demonstrations and high-stakes negotiations, the Bali Waste Self-Management Forum (Forkom SSB) has reached an agreement with the provincial government to resume waste disposal at the Suwung Landfill (TPA Suwung).
On Thursday, April 16, 2026, at 10:30 AM WITA, a massive convoy of 260 loaded garbage trucks and 323 protesters—comprising drivers and assistants—gathered in front of the Bali Governor’s Office and the Environmental Agency (PPLH). The group demanded an immediate halt to the closure of TPA Suwung and called for sustainable long-term solutions for waste management in Bali.
The “Win-Win” Solution
Wayan Suarta, Chairman of the Bali Waste Self-Management Forum, revealed that the breakthrough came after the Governor of Bali directly contacted the Minister of Environment to break the deadlock.
”It was a very tough negotiation. Ultimately, we reached a win-win solution,” Suarta stated. “The Minister has authorized Forkom SSB to dispose of both wet and dry organic waste twice a week, from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM. Starting tomorrow, we can resume disposal at TPA Suwung. A detailed daily schedule will be released next week.”
This temporary permit is subject to strict conditions: residents and collectors must sort waste before submission. The agreement is set to remain in effect until July 31, 2026, pending further evaluation of the province’s waste infrastructure.
Operational Optimism and Infrastructure Concerns
Wayan Bramansya, Vice Chairman of Forkom SSB, echoed the sentiment that while the talks were arduous, the outcome allows waste collectors to resume essential services to the community.
”Our service was previously hampered by restrictions on wet organic waste,” Bramansya explained. “With the new 12-hour operational window, we are confident we can clear the backlog and avoid long traffic queues, provided there are no operational hiccups. However, we remain cautious; government follow-through is key. Issues like broken access roads, the presence of heavy haulers, and unpredictable weather often disrupt our efficiency.”
The negotiators originally pushed for three disposal days per week to manage the pungent odor of wet organic waste, which is currently rejected by most Integrated Waste Treatment Sites (TPS3R/TPST). The final compromise of two days per week was accepted to end the immediate crisis.
A Call for Government Accountability
The Forum also utilized the protest to highlight the inefficiency of existing local waste facilities (TPS3R) in Denpasar.
”We are asking the government to maximize the TPS3R facilities. Currently, they are underperforming,” Suarta added. “We will be watching closely to see if the government’s facilities can truly handle the processing load as they guaranteed they would by the July 31 deadline.”
The protest, which featured a theatrical performance demonstrating proper waste separation, concluded peacefully. By late afternoon, the fleet of garbage trucks dispersed from the government district and returned to their respective bases.
Security for the event was managed by the Bali Regional Police (Polda Bali), supported by the Denpasar Police and local Public Order Agency (Satpol PP) officers.
Reporter : Daniel Herry
