Exciting news from the Indonesian Ministry of Tourism! This month, they announced the initiation of a Clean Tourism Movement aimed at preserving the breathtaking natural landscapes surrounding some of Indonesia’s most beloved tourist spots. As someone who has traveled to Bali and marveled at its beauty, this initiative feels like a step in the right direction for keeping these environments pristine for future visitors.
The pilot program is officially in action, and you might already have seen some buzz around Bali as activities kicked off this past weekend. This Clean Tourism Movement is not just an abstract idea; it’s designed to elevate the quality of tourist destinations in Indonesia while making them more appealing to travelers from abroad.
Raising Awareness for a Greener Future
Deputy Minister for Tourism, Ni Luh Puspa, shared some insightful thoughts during a recent beach clean-up mission at Kedonganan Beach. She emphasized that this movement aims to enhance public awareness about environmental preservation, stating, “This movement will later form a clean waste ecosystem and public awareness of maintaining cleanliness.” Can you imagine walking along those iconic Bali beaches, free from litter and waste? It’s a scenario we all might appreciate.
Key Destinations Under the Clean Tourism Movement
The pilot program is set to span eight incredible locations, including Bali, Mandalika, Borobudur, Labuan Bajo, Likupang, Lake Toba, Jakarta, and the Riau Islands. Each of these destinations has its own unique charm and potential for attracting tourists. Puspa added, “We are focusing there first; if it is successful this year, we can work on it, continue, and add other locations.”
Combatting Waste and Improving Facilities
The initiative hones in on two primary focus areas: tackling trash and enhancing the cleanliness of public facilities like bathrooms. New data shows that Indonesian tourism destinations are currently ranked 86th for health and hygiene out of 114 countries. This ranking highlights the need for improvement, as many travelers, including myself, often prioritize cleanliness when choosing where to go.
The Deputy Minister underlined the importance of improving health and hygiene through this initiative. During her speech, she praised some of Bali’s top attractions, like Monkey Forest and Taro Village, for their exemplary waste management systems which can serve as models for other areas.
Collective Action to Tackle Marine Waste
During the clean-up at Kedonganan Beach, Ni Luh Puspa was joined by various top government officials, including the Minister for Environment, Hanif Faisal Nurofiq, and the Minister for Maritime Affairs and Fisheries, Sakti Wahyu Trenggono. Together, they rolled up their sleeves to tackle the persistent issue of plastic waste that washes ashore on Bali’s beaches each rainy season.
Minister Nurofiq emphasized that the government is committed to implementing more robust measures to combat marine waste throughout the country, stating, “A team in Bali has been appointed by the Coordinating Minister for Food. We already have a clear team that will work every day with the support of everything we need to handle waste, especially marine waste in Bali.” This is welcome news for anyone who loves Bali and wants to see it preserved for future generations.
Bali’s beaches, such as Kedonganan, Jimbaran, Kuta, and Legian, are often inundated with tides of plastic waste, especially during the rainy season. However, you can still enjoy the beauty of Bali while minimizing your environmental impact. For example, consider exploring the less-visited eastern, western, and northern coasts. Beaches like Candidasa in Karangasem Regency, as well as Amed and Tulamben in East Bali, offer stunning natural beauty and are generally less affected by marine debris.
As we embrace this Clean Tourism Movement, we’re not just helping to keep Bali beautiful; we’re participating in a larger conversation about sustainable travel and environmental responsibility. So next time you plan a trip, consider how you can contribute to a cleaner and greener world!
