Bali has taken center stage this week as the International Air Show returned after a 20-year hiatus. This event has generated significant buzz, particularly surrounding Indonesia’s bold commitment to achieving net zero emissions. However, as top tourist destinations like Bali face the looming threats of water shortages and droughts, environmentalists are raising concerns about the broader impacts of climate change across the region.
At the air show, Indonesia unveiled its plans to transition towards more sustainable aviation fuels. This move, in collaboration with key stakeholders, marks a significant step forward in the country’s journey toward net zero emissions. Indonesia’s commitment to eco-friendly alternatives is evident in its exploration of future fuel sources like coconut oil, seaweed, and rice chaff.
As part of this initiative, 160 kiloliters of Sustainable Aviation Fuel were supplied to Virgin Australia’s Boeing 737 aircraft, powering flights between Denpasar and key Australian cities like Brisbane, Melbourne, Sydney, and the Gold Coast. Bali’s dedication to sustainability extends beyond aviation.
Across various sectors, the island is making strides toward environmental responsibility. In tourism, for example, an award-winning resort in Seminyak is leading by example with its regenerative tourism practices, setting a benchmark for other hospitality businesses. Sanur, a resort area that has undergone major redevelopment in recent years, is emerging as one of Asia’s premier medical tourism hubs, with a strong focus on environmental sustainability.
On September 18th, Sanur hosted the Bali Action for Climate event, organized by the Bali Zero Clean Emission Coalition. Supported by prominent environmental organizations, the event showcased exhibitions highlighting some of Bali’s most impactful green initiatives. Projects like BioRock, which aids in the restoration of coral reefs, and the BioSolar Farm, showcasing how solar energy can boost Bali’s agricultural sector, were featured alongside innovations in emission-reducing manufacturing.
Despite these advancements, the challenges of climate change remain very real for Bali’s residents and visitors. Experts predict a sharp rise in water demand, from 5.9 million liters per second in 2021 to 7.9 million liters per second by 2025, putting the island’s resources under immense pressure.
In response, many in Bali are advocating for a moratorium on new hotel and resort developments in South Bali for up to a decade, as part of a broader push to promote sustainable and culturally respectful tourism. Visitors can support Bali’s sustainability mission by choosing environmentally responsible accommodations and participating in activities that honor the island’s rich cultural heritage.
