If you’ve searched for Bali news recently, you might have seen scenes like this: garbage bags piled waist-high on the roadside, rivers emitting foul odors, people burning waste in open spaces, hundreds of garbage trucks protesting in front of the governor’s office…
This isn’t some remote village, but what’s happening in Denpasar and Kuta, the bustling tourist heart of Bali.
The trigger of the problem is a 40-year-old landfill reaching its end.
Suwung Landfill: A Large Bomb That Lasted 40 Years
The Suwung landfill is located about 10 kilometers northeast of Denpasar International Airport. It used to process nearly 1,000 tons of waste daily, handling not just Denpasar’s garbage but also waste from Badung, Gianyar, Tabanan, and other regencies—meaning almost the entire southern tourist core area of Bali sent their waste here.
The problem is, this landfill has long been overloaded. Waste management expert Nur Azizah points out that organic waste accounts for up to 70% of Suwung’s waste, which is very dangerous—long-term accumulation of organic matter can produce methane, potentially causing explosions and landslides. Such incidents have happened several times, with the largest landfill in Indonesia (outside Jakarta) experiencing a landslide in March this year, resulting in 7 fatalities.
April 1: A Ban Without Supporting Measures
Starting April 1, 2026, the Suwung landfill will completely stop accepting organic waste, with plans to permanently close by August 1. The policy’s intention is good, but the reality is: the alternatives aren’t ready yet.
The outcome is predictable. Garbage has begun piling up on the streets, attracting rats and filling the air with foul odors; desperate residents have started burning waste in their yards or nearby empty lots, producing acrid black smoke that has raised public health concerns.
“People near my house have been burning trash, and the smoke is filling the air. The stench of burning plastic is very worrying,” said Tyas Ardi, a resident of Denpasar.
It’s not just homes—garbage has been accumulating along roadsides, riversides, parks, and even around schools. In some places, the trash hasn’t been collected for weeks or even months.
The Dilemma of Garbage Truck Drivers: Nowhere to Dump
Over 400 garbage truck drivers have joined forces, driving truckloads of foul-smelling organic waste directly to government offices in protest.
Protestor I Wayan Tedi Brahmanca voiced the frustration of all waste collection workers: “If we don’t collect our clients’ garbage, it’s our fault; but if we collect it, we don’t know where to dump it—what are we supposed to do?”
Garbage Piles Up to Waist Height Near Kuta Beach
Near the parking lot and pedestrian walkway by Kuta Beach, piles of garbage bags have begun to accumulate. I Nyoman Arya Arimbawa, head of the Kuta Beach Tourism Management Office, stated that while cleaning teams are working, people keep dumping trash from outside Kuta, making it impossible to keep up.
Australian tourist Justin Butcher, who was at the scene, said, “There are a lot of rats here at night, and the smell is terrible… It’s not a good sight to see.”
The Government’s Response: Temporary Solutions, Long-Term Uncertainty
Facing waves of protests, the Minister of Environment has finally compromised. The Suwung landfill now receives organic waste twice a week, but this emergency measure will only last until July 31st — what happens after August remains unclear.
The long-term solution is to build a Waste-to-Energy facility in Benoa, which is expected to process 1,200 tons of waste daily. However, even if construction proceeds smoothly, it will take several years to become operational.
According to current regulations, those caught illegally dumping or burning garbage face up to three months of detention and a fine of 50 million Indonesian Rupiah (approximately USD$3,200). But many residents say they have no other choice.
Firsthand Feedback from Our Community Members
Data and news reports are one thing, but the experiences of those who actually go are another. Zhang Changyong, a Taiwanese community member who recently returned, said ‘no big impact,’ and Li Yingjie also mentioned ‘not really.’ Fiona Wu, who visited Sanur two days ago, said it was fine.
PeacefulNectarine put it aptly: ‘It’s actually okay. People there aren’t big on recycling, but it’s not overly dirty or disgusting.’
These reflections highlight a reality: the impact of the garbage crisis varies greatly across different areas. In Nusa Dua and Sanur, where hotels are densely concentrated and management is stricter, the effect on the tourist experience is relatively limited. However, in places like Kuta and Denpasar city center, the problem is much more visible.
More Sanur Dining and Entertainment Guide
Sanur is a tranquil seaside town on Bali, renowned for its calm beaches, relaxed atmosphere, and stunning sunrise views. It offers family-friendly resorts, traditional markets, and a wealth of local cuisine, making it an ideal destination for enjoying a slow-paced life and exploring culture. Whether strolling along the coastline or soaking in the local vibe, Sanur promises an incredibly relaxing holiday experience! Want to learn more about Sanur? Click here
Sanur Accommodation Themes
- Bali Accommodation Recommendations: 23 Resorts/Villas in Sanur from Luxury to Budget
- Summer/Winter Bali Family Travel Guide: Comprehensive Tips for Easier Family Trips - Sanur Edition
- "2026 Indonesia's Best New Hotel" Top Honor: The Meru Sanur
- 18 Kids Club Family Resorts in Bali | Best Choices for Family Vacations in Kuta, Seminyak, Canggu, Jimbaran, Uluwatu, Ubud
- Bali Family Fun: Top 15 Resorts with Water Slides
- Bali Group Free Travel: Sanur Private Villas with 3/4/5/6+ Bedrooms Recommended for Family Stays
Be Mentally Prepared if You’re Visiting Bali Now
This isn’t to say you shouldn’t go. But if you have plans for Bali in the near future, here are a few things worth knowing:
Prioritize staying in Nusa Dua or Sanur — hotels in these areas have stricter waste management practices, and their geographical locations make it less likely for marine debris to drift in. The streets are also relatively cleaner.
The Kuta and Legian areas are currently less stable, and you may encounter garbage piles or unpleasant odors when going out. Travelers who are particular about cleanliness or traveling with children should be especially cautious.
Do not casually hand your trash to roadside “collectors”, as with limited resources, it’s hard to determine where this trash will end up.
The crisis triggered by the closure of Bali’s landfill is essentially the result of decades of infrastructure debt coming to a head. With policies outpacing supporting facilities, it’s the residents and waste management workers caught in the middle who suffer. No one can predict the situation after August—this island is racing against time.
More Things to Do, Eat, and Drink in Nusa Dua
Nusa Dua, renowned for its luxurious resorts, is a premier destination in Bali known for its pristine white sand beaches, crystal-clear blue waters, and comprehensive tourist facilities. It is the ideal choice for those seeking high-end comfort and a tranquil getaway. The area offers top-tier spa services, water sports, and leisure activities suitable for the whole family, making it a paradise for travelers of all kinds. Want to learn more about Nusa Dua? Click here.
Nusa Dua Accommodation Theme Guide
- Bali Nusa Dua: 16 Top-Rated 5-Star Resort Accommodations
- Nusa Dua Summer & Winter Family Travel Guide: 9 Must-See Day Trip Highlights & Kid-Friendly Recommendations
- A Unique Bali Vacation Experience - Luxurious Stay at Apurva Kempinski Bali
- Bali’s 18 Best Family Resorts with Kids Clubs: Top Picks in Kuta, Seminyak, Canggu, Jimbaran, Uluwatu, and Ubud
- Bali Family Fun: Top 15 Resorts with Water Slides and Playgrounds
- Bali Group Travel: Nusa Dua Private Villas with 3/4/5/6+ Bedrooms for Family Stays
留言討論