In a bold move to combat plastic pollution, the Bali Provincial Government has announced a ban on the use of plastic bottled water, effective February 3, 2025. This policy is part of the province’s ongoing efforts to reduce plastic waste, which has been a growing environmental concern in recent years.
The new rule, outlined in Circular Letter Number 2 of 2025, implements Bali Governor Regulation Number 97 of 2018, which aims to limit single-use plastic waste. According to the regulation, all regional agencies, state-owned enterprises (BUMDs), and schools in Bali will no longer be allowed to provide drinking water in plastic bottles or any food and snacks in plastic packaging.
Instead, employees and students are required to bring their own drinking bottles, with a recommendation to use stainless steel or BPA-free plastic bottles. The goal is to reduce the reliance on disposable plastic bottles and packaging in both workplaces and educational settings.
Bali Regional Secretary’s Statement
Bali’s Regional Secretary, Dewa Made Indra, explained the motivation behind this policy. “It is not allowed to provide drinking water in plastic packaging, both glass and bottle sizes, and it is not allowed to provide food, cakes, or snacks in plastic packaging, both in the workspace and at meetings, meetings, or other ceremonial events,” he said on Tuesday, 21 January 2025, as reported by DetikBali.
He further emphasized that the new policy applies to all government agencies, BUMDs, and schools within the Bali Provincial Government, including those hosting training and educational programs. “This policy aims to ensure that all regional apparatus, BUMDs, and schools in Bali implement effective restrictions on the use of single-use plastics,” Dewa Made Indra added.
Starting February 3, 2025
The ban will take effect starting February 3, 2025, and will apply to all government employees and students attending Bali’s public schools. As part of the policy, officials and school leaders are encouraged to set an example by using tumblers themselves and educating others about the importance of reducing plastic waste.
The new regulation will also apply to all events hosted by the Bali Provincial Government, including meetings, ceremonies, and other gatherings. Supervision will be conducted to ensure the policy is enforced and effectively implemented.
The move to ban plastic bottled water is part of Bali’s broader commitment to sustainability and creating a cleaner environment. It is expected that this initiative will inspire other regions to follow suit in the fight against plastic pollution.
