In a meeting on Friday, 22 May 2026, between Bali Governor Wayan Koster and World Bank Country Manager for Indonesia, Carolyn Turk, the World Bank shared its view that there are five major challenges that demand the Island’s serious attention. As reported by Balipost.com, Turk outlined a range of issues affecting not only the tourism sector but also the Island’s basic needs and quality of life.
The World Bank’s top official in Indonesia called on Governor Koster to establish a technical team to collaborate with a World Bank team in meaningful discussions to identify strategic solutions and concrete steps to resolve problems. “The results of the discussions between the team from the Provincial Government and the World Bank team can be presented to the Governor in subsequent meetings,” said Turk.
The World Bank has identified five main challenges requiring Bali’s urgent attention:
- The treatment and recycling of wastewater
- The management of garbage and waste,
- Mobility and transportation.
- Clean water supply.
- Electricity supply in many areas of the Island.
Continuing, Carolyn Turk said she hoped the Government of Bali would strengthen sustainable development efforts that meet the needs of the people of Bali.
Turk added: “Our team of analysts not only focuses on Bali’s current condition, but also looks to future needs. Bali remains a global prima donna. The challenge is how to maintain Bali’s position as a leading and prime destination in the coming years.”
In response, Governor Koster expressed his appreciation and thanks for the meaningful suggestions and input in support of its efforts to achieve sustainable development over the coming century. Commenting further, the Governor said that issues related to improving the Island’s infrastructure are taking center stage and must be addressed in a serious, well-organized manner. The Governor also noted the substantial funding requirements demanded by urgent infrastructure projects.
The Governor said Bali’s environment must be made clean and healthy through a range of initiatives, including limiting single-use plastic packaging and controlling waste management.
The people of Bali, added Koster, need clean air, clean water, food self-sufficiency, clothing, and adequate shelter.
In the energy sector, the Provincial Government of Bali is also pursuing energy independence. Bali no longer permits the construction of energy plants that consume fossil fuels, prioritizing clean energy sources instead. Bali is focusing on battery-supplied energy. The Provincial Government is also cooperating with the government investment agency, Danatara, on ways to convert waste and garbage into electrical energy.
Governor Koster informed the World Bank that Bali is actively cultivating mangroves and planting trees to enhance the Island’s tree canopy cover.
The Governor presented Carolyn Turk with souvenirs of her visit to his office: a piece of traditional Balinese endek weaving, Balinese arak, and a book outlining the Island’s 100-year development plan.
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