Minister says Bali tourism growth must protect environment and quality of life

Nusa Dua — Coordinating Minister for Infrastructure and Regional Development Agus Harimurti Yudhoyono said on 7 November 2026 that Bali’s tourism and creative-economy growth must be balanced with environmental protection and residents’ quality of life.

Why it matters: The remarks signal that Bali’s tourism expansion is expected to proceed alongside measures addressing traffic, waste, water supplies, land conversion and environmental capacity.

Yudhoyono made the remarks after attending Universitas Ngurah Rai’s graduation ceremony at the Bali Nusa Dua Convention Center in Nusa Dua, Badung, according to Bali Post and Tribun Bali.

He said Bali’s tourism opportunities should be managed in line with the island’s environmental carrying capacity, infrastructure and transport connectivity. He also called for development to be balanced across regions rather than concentrated in a small number of destinations.

The issues he highlighted included overcrowding, traffic congestion, poorly managed spatial planning, waste, environmental pollution, land conversion and possible disasters linked to disrupted spatial management. He also stressed the need to protect water supplies and food-producing areas.

Yudhoyono said tourism expansion should not undermine local communities’ social life or basic needs. He urged cooperation among central and regional governments, universities, businesses, local communities and other stakeholders, according to Tribun Bali.

The minister also linked stronger waste management to Bali’s tourism growth. Bali Post reported that he said public transport and connectivity should continue to be developed alongside environmental protection and more evenly distributed prosperity.

Sources

• Tribun Bali
• Bali Post