Inp.polri.go.id - Denpasar. Bali Governor Wayan Koster announced the immediate formation of a specialized coastal cleaning task force on Monday (2/2/2026), responding directly to a public reprimand from President Prabowo Subianto regarding the island's waste crisis. 

During a national coordination meeting, the President highlighted reports from international figures and officials concerning Bali's littered beaches, warning that the pollution threatens the tourism sector and local employment. 

The Governor attributed the recent surge in waste to seasonal "shipment trash" brought by heavy rains and strong ocean currents between December and February, as reported by antaranews.com.

“I will form a task force to stand guard at the beaches; as soon as trash arrives, it can be immediately cleaned,” Governor Koster said, emphasizing that the team will bypass current multi-hour mobilization delays.

The Bali administration will mobilize students from primary to high school levels for weekly cleanup activities. This initiative will be supported by a fleet of dedicated heavy machinery and trucks stationed permanently at key coastal points in Denpasar and Badung. The central government has further pledged to support long-term solutions, including a planned waste-to-energy project set to begin construction shortly.

(mg/inp/pr/rs)