BADUNG, DEWATA.NEWS – Indonesia’s Minister of Tourism, Widiyanti Putri Wardhana, took part in a beach cleanup action at Kedonganan Beach, Badung, on Friday (February 6, 2026), emphasizing that maintaining the cleanliness of tourist destinations in Bali is a shared responsibility.
Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of the cleanup, Widiyanti said Bali holds a special position in Indonesia’s tourism image globally. “Bali is truly a jewel of Indonesian tourism. The world’s perception of Indonesia’s tourism is very closely tied to Bali,” she said.
She highlighted that tourism supports a wide range of livelihoods across the island, from farmers and fishermen to small business owners, hotel and restaurant workers, artists, craftsmen, and tour guides. Because of this interconnected ecosystem, environmental cleanliness, she stressed, must be a collective effort.
Widiyanti also noted that the Ministry of Tourism has received an official letter from the Deputy Minister of Environment urging hotels, restaurants, and cafes to manage their own waste in accordance with existing regulations. “We have formally written to the hospitality industry, encouraging hotels, restaurants, and cafes to process their own waste as required by the Ministry of Environment. We hope they can comply and operate in an orderly manner,” she said.
In addition, she said coordination with local governments will be strengthened to ensure timely waste collection. Widiyanti acknowledged that viral images of dirty beaches in Bali have had a measurable impact, contributing to an estimated 30 percent decline in tourist visits during such periods.
“Through beach cleanup movements and the ‘Indonesia Asri, Aman, Sehat, Resik, dan Indah’ initiative, cleanliness must become a daily habit, not just a one-off activity. Quality tourism can only grow in a clean and well-maintained environment,” she said, before inviting participants to join the cleanup effort.
The minister expressed appreciation to the Ministry of Environment for initiating and coordinating the cleanup at Kedonganan Beach. The activity involved strong cross-sector collaboration, including the Bali Provincial Government, local regency and city administrations, and academic institutions such as Bali Tourism Polytechnic, Udayana University, Universitas Pendidikan Nasional, Universitas Mahendradatta, and the Institute of Business and Technology Indonesia.
Tourism and environmental associations and community groups were also involved, including the Bali chapter of the Indonesian Hotel and Restaurant Association (PHRI), Social Project Bali, Mayama Bali Community, Bandung Hero, Trash Warrior Bali, and the National Movement for Water Rescue Partnerships.
“We extend our highest appreciation and gratitude to all parties who have come together today to help keep Bali clean. As directed by the President of the Republic of Indonesia, waste management is a shared responsibility. It is not the task of one institution alone, but a collective effort of all elements of society,” Widiyanti said.
She concluded by calling on all stakeholders to protect Bali, Indonesia’s tourism sector, and the country’s shared future. “Let us take care of Bali, safeguard Indonesian tourism, and protect our future together. Thank you for your spirit and participation, and happy beach cleaning,” she said.