DENPASAR, DEWATA.NEWS – Bali Governor Wayan Koster addressed mounting environmental, social, and demographic challenges facing the island during a public discussion forum at Udayana University on Wednesday (Feb 18, 2026).
Speaking at the “Sang Pewahyu Rakyat” Public Discussion organized by the Udayana University Student Executive Board (BEM PM Unud), the governor highlighted issues linked to rapid development and increasing investment in Bali.
These include concerns over clean water availability, rising waste volumes, conversion of agricultural land, environmental degradation, traffic congestion, and widening economic disparities between the Sarbagita metropolitan area and regions outside it.
Koster stated that while development has contributed to welfare and economic growth, it has also created pressure on Bali’s natural resources, cultural identity, and social balance.
“In addition to bringing positive benefits to the welfare and happiness of the Balinese people, development has also created problems for nature, humanity, and Balinese culture,” he said.
He cited increasing land conversion from rice fields, ecosystem damage, threats to clean water supply, limited public transport capacity, and reduced business opportunities for local residents. He also noted concerns over rising drug cases, prostitution, security issues, asset purchases using local names, the emergence of exclusive foreign communities, and reported desecration of sacred sites.
In addressing demographic trends, Koster expressed concern over the declining number of Balinese children bearing traditional names such as Nyoman (typically given to the third child) and Ketut (the fourth child). He warned that long-term population shifts could affect cultural continuity.
To prevent a projected population deficit by 2050, the provincial government plans to promote population resilience policies. Koster said Bali will shift away from the long-standing “two children are enough” family planning approach and instead encourage families to have four or more children.
“To preserve the Balinese community, mothers who are pregnant with a third or fourth child will receive support from pregnancy through childbirth, including educational assistance up to university level through the ‘One Family One Graduate’ program,” he stated.
The governor explained that Bali’s development framework is guided by Article 7 of Law No. 15 of 2023 on the Province of Bali, which mandates integrated and thematic development that balances nature, people, and culture.
He also introduced policy directions for the 2025–2030 period under the long-term roadmap titled “Bali Future Development Direction, 100 Years of the New Bali Era 2025–2125.” The framework aims to preserve Bali’s geography, protect mountains, forests, coastal areas, lakes, rivers, springs, and conservation zones, while controlling land conversion and climate management.
Udayana University Rector Prof. I Ketut Sudarsana welcomed the forum and emphasized the role of academic institutions in policy dialogue.
“As a university, Udayana must not become an ivory tower. The campus must serve as a space for critical reflection and a strategic partner for regional government,” he said.
The discussion served as a public evaluation of one year of Bali Provincial Government and Regional House of Representatives leadership, aiming to review public policies, strengthen transparency, and gather community aspirations through academic analysis.
For international residents and investors, the forum reflects ongoing efforts by provincial authorities to balance economic growth with environmental sustainability and cultural preservation.