Bali and UK partner on waste and traffic as tourism hits record high

Denpasar (ANTARA) - The Bali provincial government has welcomed collaboration initiatives with the United Kingdom in the tourism, waste, and traffic management sectors to bolster the island’s development.During a meeting with UK Deputy Ambassador Matthew Downing in Denpasar, Bali Governor Wayan Koster explained that the province is seeking to optimize infrastructure through international partnerships such as the UK Embassy.

“My target is to resolve waste management issues within two years, and by 2030, achieve significant improvements in traffic congestion and infrastructure,” Koster said in a statement issued on Saturday.

Regarding waste, the governor noted that the province is pursuing a comprehensive upstream-to-downstream approach, including the development of a waste-to-energy facility capable of processing over 1,000 tons of waste daily.

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Governor Koster highlighted that Bali welcomed a record-breaking 7 million foreign tourists in 2025. Addressing the rise in criminal acts involving foreigners alongside this surge, he noted that the region has implemented firm enforcement measures, though he clarified that no notable violations were committed by British tourists during that period.

Deputy Ambassador Downing reaffirmed the UK's readiness to support Bali’s priority sectors through facilitating meeting with their British counterpart.

“Through the Future Cities Infrastructure Programme, for instance, we are cooperating with the Bali Provincial Transportation Office to complete feasibility studies for transportation projects,” he said.

Downing added that the UK will connect Bali with expert consultants in waste recycling and public education. Furthermore, he highlighted the Scottish government’s interest in economic cooperation, including a planned trade mission focusing on the food, health, and alcoholic beverage sectors.

“The Scottish delegation plans to meet directly with the Bali governor,” he confirmed.

The British Embassy recorded 270,000 British arrivals in Bali in 2025, with expectations to reach 350,000 in 2026. Downing cited Bali's security, stability, and high-quality offerings as reasons for the UK's view of the island as a premier destination.