A video circulating online has drawn attention to ongoing waste management challenges in Bali, as residents increasingly resort to burning rubbish following the planned closure of the Suwung Landfill (TPA) in mid-2026.
The footage, shared by Gary Bencheghib, co-founder of Sungai Watch, shows him running through several places in Bali where he encounters at least four waste incineration sites. The video illustrates how some communities are managing waste in the absence of sufficient disposal facilities.
The closure of the Suwung landfill has prompted authorities and residents to seek alternative waste solutions. However, environmental concerns have been raised over the growing practice of burning rubbish, particularly plastic waste.
Health Risks and Government Response
Experts warn that burning waste, especially plastic, releases harmful pollutants such as dioxins, furans, and fine particulate matter. These substances can contaminate air, soil, and water, posing risks to public health and the environment.
Bali Governor Wayan Koster acknowledged reports of waste burning but clarified that not all forms of burning are prohibited.
“I heard that someone was burning (trash), but after checking, not all burning is bad. Burning wood, burning bamboo from ceremonies, that’s fine,” Koster said at the Bali Governor’s office on Tuesday (7 April), as quoted from Detiknews.
He stressed that residents are not permitted to burn residual or inorganic waste. According to him, violations may result in minor criminal sanctions.
“Now, if what’s being burned is trash, for example residual waste or other types of waste that are burned, that’s prohibited. Therefore, we’ve also spoken with the Director of Intelligence and the Chief of Police, so that if there are violations like that, they will take action,” he said.
Lihat postingan ini di Instagram
Authorities Prepare Waste Management Measures
Local governments in Denpasar and Badung have introduced several measures aimed at improving waste management systems ahead of the landfill closure. These include increasing public education on household waste sorting and expanding waste processing capacity.
Authorities are also recruiting additional workers to operate 3R TPS (reduce, reuse, recycle facilities) and TPST units, while constructing new waste processing sites. Plans include the development of modern waste management facilities, known locally as teba, as well as the distribution of approximately 178,000 composters to households.
Organic fertiliser produced from these facilities and household composting initiatives will be transported to a designated green zone at the Klungkung Cultural Center, which spans around five hectares.
Koster said the government is working towards a system where only residual waste will require further processing before the landfill is fully closed.
“We hope that by 31 July, only residual waste will be allowed to be processed, and after that, the Suwung landfill will be completely closed, for both organic and residual waste. So, everything must be managed properly,” he said.
