Bali’s rubbish crisis

Bali’s rubbish crisis

From Asia Specific by BBC World Service

May 15, 2026 · 18 min

About this episode

The episode discusses Bali's worsening rubbish crisis and the challenges faced by local communities in managing waste.

Bali is facing a worsening rubbish crisis, with landfill restrictions causing garbage to pile up, on an island already infamous for plastic-strewn beaches. As the main landfill site tightens rules on organic waste, local communities are left scrambling for alternatives, and in some cases, resorting to burning rubbish. Indonesia’s president has even weighed in, criticising the island’s cleanliness and calling for urgent action. So can Bali fix its rubbish problem or is the damage already done? In this episode of Asia Specific, host Mariko Oi speaks to Bali-based journalist Ade Mardiyati and environmental campaigner Gary Bencheghib of Sungai Watch about what’s really driving Bali’s waste crisis, how waste is currently managed, why enforcement of plastic bans is uneven, and whether overtourism is overwhelming the island’s infrastructure. Asia Pacific, unpacked by those who know it best. Bringing you essential insights and conversations on the stories shaping the region - an economic powerhouse, geo-political flashpoint and the birthplace of global cultural trends. Hear Asian perspectives on international issues and in-depth analysis on news from a region that’s home to nearly 2.5…

People in this episode

Host: Mariko Oi

Guests: Ade Mardiyati, Gary Bencheghib

Topics covered

  • waste management
  • environmental issues
  • tourism impact
  • plastic pollution
  • local community response

Keywords

  • Bali
  • rubbish crisis
  • waste management
  • plastic pollution
  • environmental campaigner

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Sungai Watch

Places: Bali, Indonesia

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