Bali Global News – DENPASAR
The Bali Provincial Government has received strategic recommendations from the World Bank concerning the island’s future development and long-term sustainability. The insights were presented by Carolyn Turk, the World Bank Country Director for Indonesia, during a meeting with Bali Governor Wayan Koster on Friday (May 22) at Jaya Sabha, Denpasar.
During the meeting, Turk highlighted five major gaps that require immediate and serious attention from the provincial government. These issues extend beyond the tourism sector, directly impacting basic necessities and the overall quality of life for Bali’s residents.
​The five key areas of concern identified by the World Bank are wastewater management and recycling, waste management, transportation mobility, clean water supply, and electricity availability across several regions in Bali. Turk warned that failure to address these challenges effectively starting now could lead to severe consequences for the island in the future.
“We are looking not only at Bali’s current condition but also at its long-term future. Bali remains a global favorite.
The challenge now is ensuring that Bali maintains its position as a premier destination for years to come,” Turk said.
​As a follow-up to the World Bank’s findings, Turk requested the Governor to appoint a technical team to collaborate with the World Bank. This joint team will conduct follow-up discussions to devise strategic solutions and actionable steps.
“The outcomes of the discussions with the technical team will be presented back to the Governor during our next meeting,” she added.
Turk expressed hope that the Bali Provincial Government would reinforce its sustainable development initiatives to ensure that growth in the tourism sector remains balanced with the needs of the local community.
​”Our analytical team focuses not just on the present, but on future generations. Bali is currently a global gem. The challenge is keeping the island thriving and pristine for years to come,” she reiterated.
Meanwhile, Bali Governor Wayan Koster expressed his gratitude and appreciation for the World Bank’s input regarding the development and sustainability of the “Island of the Gods.” Koster noted that these recommendations align closely with the province’s long-term development framework, outlined in the 100-Year Bali Development Blueprint.
We deeply appreciate the feedback provided to the Bali Provincial Government. Infrastructure is indeed one of our primary concerns in Bali, as it requires substantial funding,” Koster said.
​He emphasized that infrastructure is a critical sector that directly influences the sustainability of Bali’s tourism, requiring serious and meticulous planning. Koster explained that several issues concerning Bali’s future have already been integrated into the 100-Year Bali Development Blueprint, which spans from 2025 to 2125. The blueprint encompasses development across various sectors, including nature, human resources, and culture.
This blueprint does not only concern human life, but all elements of life created by God on this earth,” he stated.
​In terms of environmental preservation, the Bali Provincial Government continues to advocate for a clean and healthy environment through various policies, including restrictions on single-use plastics and source-based waste management. These measures aim to preserve Bali’s natural environment for future generations. Regarding human development, Koster stressed that the basic needs of the community remain the government’s top priority. He emphasized that citizens require clean air, safe water, and adequate food, clothing, and housing.
​”Bali’s air quality must be excellent. Clean and healthy water must be provided, and Bali must achieve food sovereignty,” he asserted.
​In the energy sector, the Bali Provincial Government is pushing for clean energy independence to guarantee a sustainable energy supply. Koster firmly stated that Bali will not permit the construction of fossil-fueled power plants, prioritizing clean energy instead. As part of this policy, the provincial government continues to promote the adoption of battery-based electric vehicles (EVs). Furthermore, the government has prepared a waste-to-energy program in collaboration with Danantara.
​Koster added that the government is continuously planting trees, mangroves, and endemic Balinese flora to expand forest coverage and maintain ecological balance. According to Koster, all these policies are aimed at preserving Bali’s sustainability, safeguarding its culture, and establishing a supportive ecosystem for long-term livelihood.
​”Balinese culture must be well-preserved and nurtured. The life-supporting ecosystem must also be properly prepared for long-term sustainability,” he added.
​At the conclusion of the meeting, Governor Koster presented souvenirs to Turk, including Balinese endek woven fabric, traditional arak Bali, and a copy of the Future Bali Development Blueprint: 100 Years of New Era Bali 2025-2125.
​The meeting was also attended by Jessica Ludwig, Senior Development Specialist at the World Bank Group; Wahyu Wijayanto, Director of Tourism, Creative Economy, and Digital Economy at Bappenas; I Wayan Wiasthana Ika Putra, Head of the Bali Provincial Regional Development Planning Agency (Bappeda); and Ida Bagus Surja Manuaba, Head of the Public Relations and Protocol Bureau of the Bali Provincial Secretariat.
​Reporter: Daniel Herry
