Bali’s pristine beaches are its biggest draw, but strict waste regulations are now the operational reality. The era of handing out single-use plastics is over, and the local government is cracking down on violators with increasing severity. Ignoring these environmental mandates is no longer an option for anyone operating accommodation on the island.
For villa owners and hotel managers, the stakes have risen with new standards impacting permits. Failing to align with waste management laws can lead to administrative sanctions and friction with the traditional village (desa adat). The shift requires a fundamental change in how amenities are sourced and how waste is handled daily.
This guide provides a comprehensive breakdown of the current plastic bans and how they specifically apply to the hospitality sector. From the foundational 2018 regulation to the aggressive 2026 bottle ban targets, we explain exactly what is prohibited. Understanding these Property Rules in Bali is essential for safeguarding your investment and building a reputable, sustainable business brand. For the official text of the regulations, refer to the JDIH Bali Provincial Government.
Table of Contents
- Legal Base: What is Actually Banned in Bali
- 2025–2026 Updates: Bottle Bans and Enforcement
- Who Must Comply: Scope for Properties in Indonesia
- Practical Compliance for Villas and Hotels
- Sanctions, Risks, and Enforcement Realities
- Real Story: The Villa Owner in Pererenan
- Link to Property Licensing and ESG Expectations
- Exceptions and "Not Confirmed" Points
- FAQs about Property Rules in Bali
Legal Base: What is Actually Banned in Bali
The regulatory foundation for the current restrictions is Bali Governor Regulation (Pergub) No. 97 of 2018. This regulation on Limiting Single-Use Plastic Waste (Sampah Plastik Sekali Pakai – PSP) sets the baseline for all business operations. It explicitly prohibits the provision of specific single-use plastic items by business actors, including accommodation providers.
Under this framework, “PSP” includes plastic shopping bags, polystyrene (styrofoam), and plastic straws. The definition covers any plastic or synthetic polymer material designed for a single use. Unlike voluntary guidelines, this Pergub is binding law, meaning every villa and shop must adhere to it strictly.
Local governments and traditional villages are tasked with the supervision and enforcement of these rules. This creates a dual layer of oversight where both the civil service and the local banjar monitor compliance. Navigating these Property Rules in Bali requires understanding that the ban is not just a suggestion, but a legal obligation.
The regulation was born out of a desperate need to combat marine debris which threatened tourism. By targeting the three most common pollutants, the government aimed for a drastic reduction in visible waste. Today, compliance is a baseline expectation for any legitimate business operating on the island.
2025–2026 Updates: Bottle Bans and Enforcement
The regulatory landscape is evolving rapidly to target other forms of waste beyond bags. A 2025 provincial circular has signaled a ban on single-use plastic beverage containers under one litre. This “bottle ban,” referenced in Governor Circular Letter No. 9 of 2025, aims for enforcement by January 2026.
This update represents a significant operational shift for the hospitality industry, which relies on bottled water. Properties are now expected to transition to glass bottles or refill stations to meet compliance targets. The circular extends the ban to plastic cups, impacting poolside services and takeaway offerings significantly.
Enforcement is also becoming stricter, with authorities linking environmental compliance to broader business permissions. The 2025 updates clarify that this is a comprehensive push involving businesses and government offices. Staying ahead of these changes is crucial for maintaining seamless operations under the evolving regulatory landscape.
Property owners must now audit their entire supply chain to ensure they are not violating these new circulars. Suppliers are already shifting their inventory, and villas that fail to adapt risks being left without compliant amenities. The goal is a “zero-waste” hospitality sector that aligns with Bali’s reputation.
Who Must Comply: Scope for Properties in Indonesia
The scope of the plastic ban is comprehensive, leaving little room for exemptions in the commercial sector. Pergub 97/2018 applies directly to “business actors,” including hotels, villas, guesthouses, and restaurants. All commercial units are fully subject to these prohibitions to ensure island-wide consistency.
Public institutions and traditional villages (desa adat) are also mandated to comply, creating a society-wide enforcement culture. For property owners, this means that even a private rental villa is considered a business entity. There is no “small business” loophole that allows for the continued use of banned plastics.
Key obligations include stopping the provision of banned items and providing non-plastic substitutes immediately. Businesses must promote the “reduce, reuse, recycle” (3R) philosophy within their operations to demonstrate active participation. Compliance is a mandatory aspect of running any commercial establishment under the current regulatory framework.
It is important to note that liability often falls on the business owner rather than the staff. If a guest is handed a plastic bag, the penalty applies to the business license holder. This necessitates thorough training for all employees regarding the specific constraints of the law.
Practical Compliance for Villas and Hotels
Adapting to the regulations requires a systematic review of all guest-facing amenities and internal procurement. The first step is eliminating single-use plastic shopping bags at reception desks and laundry services. Switching to cloth, paper, or reusable bags is the standard expectation for all businesses.
In guest rooms, the ubiquitous small plastic water bottles must be replaced to align with the new circulars. Glass bottles or refillable water dispensers are the compliant alternatives that also elevate the guest experience. Similarly, plastic straws and styrofoam takeaway boxes must be removed from dining menus immediately.
Procurement contracts should be updated to insert “no single-use plastics” clauses for all suppliers. Prefer bulk purchasing for toiletries like soap and shampoo, utilizing dispensers instead of miniature bottles. Documenting these standard operating procedures (SOPs) is vital for demonstrating compliance during inspections related to waste compliance standards.
Waste segregation is another critical component of practical compliance for accommodation providers. Properties must separate organic, inorganic, and hazardous waste to ensure that recyclable materials are processed. Failure to segregate waste can lead to refusal of collection services by local waste management vendors.
Sanctions, Risks, and Enforcement Realities
Violating the plastic ban carries risks that go beyond a simple slap on the wrist. The legal framework allows for administrative sanctions, starting with written warnings and orders to cease prohibited practices. While monetary fines were initially less emphasized, the link to licensing is the real deterrent.
Recent updates suggest that businesses failing to comply may face permit revocation under the stricter oversight. This escalation turns environmental non-compliance into a critical operational risk that can shut down a business. Furthermore, villages that fail to enforce the ban risk losing government assistance.
Reputational damage is inextricably linked to legal consequences, as modern travelers increasingly value sustainability. Being flagged by a desa adat for environmental negligence can tarnish a property’s standing in the community. Adhering to these local operational bylaws is as much about community relations as it is about legal safety.
Local enforcement squads often conduct spot checks on businesses in high-traffic tourist areas. These inspections can happen without warning, and inspectors will look for banned items in storage. Maintaining a clean, compliant inventory is the only way to ensure you pass these surprise audits.
Real Story: The Villa Owner in Pererenan
In mid-2025, Tomas opened a boutique villa in Pererenan with high hopes and a lot of plastic water bottles. The 39-year-old hospitality entrepreneur from Cordoba, Argentina, didn’t realize that his amenities were an insult to the local desa adat. When the head of the waste bank personally flagged his property for “environmental negligence,” Tomas realized the severity of his mistake.
He initially focused on aesthetics and guest comfort, stocking his villa with convenient plastic amenities. However, his operations hit a snag when the local banjar waste collection service refused to pick up his trash. The stench of uncollected waste wafting from his bin area made him realize the local crisis was now personal.
That was when he contacted a professional business consultancy in Bali to audit his operations. They helped him restructure his procurement to eliminate banned plastics and set up a compliant waste segregation system. Tomas learned that respecting the local waste regulations was the key to being accepted by the community.
Link to Property Licensing and ESG Expectations
Environmental compliance is increasingly treated as a core component of business licensing in Indonesia. The “Green Tourism” push means that renewal of operational permits may require proof of adherence to waste regulations. Pergub 97/2018 is often cited alongside broader waste management laws during administrative audits.
For high-end properties, this compliance is also a matter of brand positioning and governance commitments. International tour operators and eco-conscious guests often demand proof of sustainable practices before booking a stay. Meeting these standards opens doors to a lucrative market segment that values responsible tourism and transparency.
Conversely, repeated violations can lead to a property being flagged in the Online Single Submission (OSS) system. This can complicate future applications for visa sponsorship or business expansion for the foreign owner. Treating plastic compliance as a non-negotiable part of your business strategy ensures long-term business viability.
Investors should view these regulations not as a burden but as a framework for modernization. Properties that embrace sustainability often report lower operational costs due to reduced waste hauling fees. Furthermore, a strong environmental record can be a powerful marketing tool in an increasingly competitive market.
Exceptions and "Not Confirmed" Points
While the bans are extensive, there are likely exceptions for specific categories that require careful verification. Medical plastics and certain industrial packaging types are often exempted in similar regulations, but the specific list for Bali is not always clear. Investors should verify if there are any specific allowances for existing stock.
The exact financial penalties for specific violations remain a point that is often “Not Confirmed” in English resources. While Jakarta has a clear fine schedule, Bali’s enforcement often relies more on administrative and customary sanctions. Avoid assuming a fixed rupiah fine amount without consulting current local bylaws or legal experts.
Details regarding the implementation phases of Governor Circular No. 9/2025 are also evolving. Whether there are grace periods for small businesses versus large hotels is a detail that needs direct confirmation. Always consult with a legal expert to get the most up-to-date interpretation of the law.
FAQs about Property Rules in Bali
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Is it illegal to provide plastic straws in Bali?
Yes, providing plastic straws is prohibited for businesses under Pergub 97/2018; use paper or bamboo alternatives.
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Can I use plastic bags for laundry delivery?
No, single-use plastic bags are banned; laundry services must use reusable bags or paper wrapping.
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Are plastic water bottles banned in villas?
Small single-use plastic bottles (<1L) are targeted for bans by 2026; switch to glass or refillable options.
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What happens if I don't comply with the plastic ban?
You risk administrative sanctions, warnings, permit revocation, and issues with local village authorities.
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Do these rules apply to private villa rentals?
Yes, if you are operating as a business (renting to guests), you must comply with these regulations.
