The Bali provincial government’s recent ban on single-use bottled water under one liter has drawn sharp criticism from local politicians, who argue that the policy could disrupt cultural practices and harm the island’s economy.
Concerns Over Cultural Impact
I Gede Harja Astawa, head of the Gerindra faction in the Bali Regional House of Representatives, rejected Governor Wayan Koster’s directive, warning it would burden Balinese communities during traditional ceremonies. Astawa, who also leads the Hindu Youth Council in Buleleng, said small bottled water is essential during major religious rites such as Pitra Yadnya and Manusa Yadnya.
“These ceremonies involve large gatherings, and single-use bottles make distribution simple,” he said in a statement on Tuesday, 15 April. “If those are banned, what’s the solution?”
He argued that switching to alternatives like reusable glasses would increase costs and complicate logistics for community organizers. “It’s inefficient and unrealistic to expect villages to prepare thousands of glasses for every event,” he added.
Calls for Broader Waste Solutions
Astawa urged the provincial government to implement a shared-responsibility approach to waste management instead of outright bans, suggesting the introduction of strict penalties and multi-stakeholder coordination.
“Are we going back to the pre-plastic era?” he asked. “We shouldn’t reject technology but should ensure accountability for waste.”
Economic Risks Raised
Echoing the concerns, I Gede Pasek Suardika of the Nusantara Awakening Party warned that the ban could erode Bali’s regional economy and worsen national economic fragility.
“In a time of economic crisis, even slight contractions can ripple out nationally,” he said.
Pasek cited data showing that only 5 percent of Bali’s non-organic waste comes from bottled water, suggesting the policy targets a minor contributor to the problem. He added that small plastic bottles are a key source of income for local waste collectors and should be seen differently from other forms of plastic waste.
Policy Alternatives Suggested
Rather than banning plastics, Pasek called for a controlled recycling framework and investment in local recycling industries.
“Plastics were invented as an alternative to cutting down trees,” he said. “Without plastic, more forests will be cleared.”
Pasek warned that policies restricting everyday plastic items—from helmets to food packaging—could spark job losses and broader economic harm. “If the domino effect makes life harder for everyone, who takes responsibility?” he asked. “We need to raise awareness, regulate usage, and support growth—not undermine it.”
