The British government has expressed its readiness to assist the Province of Bali in addressing traffic congestion and waste management challenges.
The offer was conveyed by the Deputy British Ambassador to Indonesia, H.E. Matthew Downing, during a meeting with Bali Governor I Wayan Koster in Denpasar on Friday, 30 January 2026.
Downing said the UK is working with the Bali Provincial Government through the Future Cities Infrastructure Programme. The cooperation focuses on mentoring and refining feasibility studies for transportation projects in the province. The programme involves collaboration with the Bali Provincial Transportation Office.
“Through the Future Cities Infrastructure Programme, for instance, we are cooperating with the Bali Provincial Transportation Office to complete feasibility studies for transportation projects,” Downing said, as reported by Antara.
He added that British transportation companies are expected to be involved in the collaboration. According to Downing, the UK is prepared to facilitate meetings between the Bali authorities and British counterparts to support priority development sectors.
Digital Technology to Support Transport Planning
The proposed transportation projects will utilise digital platform technology, including a virtual replica of Bali Island. The system will contain data on buildings, roads, and tourist destinations across the province.
The technology is designed to enable local authorities to monitor the movement of residents and tourists in real time. It will also be used to identify congestion points and simulate the potential impact of new infrastructure development before implementation.
Downing said the use of digital tools is intended to support evidence-based planning and decision-making in transportation development. The UK has experience in deploying similar technology in urban planning and infrastructure management.
In addition to transportation, the British government has offered support in waste management. Downing noted that the UK has extensive experience in recycling systems, waste processing, and initiatives aimed at changing public behaviour related to waste disposal.
Bali Government Focuses on Congestion and Waste Challenges
Governor I Wayan Koster said Bali is currently facing several major challenges, including traffic congestion, waste management, and the behaviour of some tourists. He stated that the Bali Provincial Government has begun accelerating the development of connecting infrastructure between regions starting this year.
Regarding waste management, Koster said the provincial government is completing both upstream and downstream systems. This process will lead to the construction of a waste-to-energy facility with a capacity of more than 1,000 tonnes of waste per day.
“My target is to resolve the waste problem within the next two years, and by 2030, we will see significant changes in traffic management and infrastructure,” Koster said.
Separately, Indonesian Minister of Environment Hanif Faisol Nurofiq has emphasised the importance of careful waste management in Bali. He said the issue requires serious attention due to Bali’s status as an international tourism destination.
“Waste management must be carried out with great care,” Hanif said.
Photo: MCINews
