Jakarta, June 10 -- Deputy Tourism Minister Ni Luh Puspa warned Wednesday that resolving Bali's worsening waste crisis is vital to maintaining the resort island's global competitiveness and reputation as a world-class destination.

During a coordination meeting with the Ministry of Environment, Puspa noted that while a surge in international arrivals has driven massive foreign direct investment, it has also strained the island's environmental sustainability.

Bali currently ranks eighth in nationwide waste generation, with tourism hubs Denpasar, Gianyar, and Badung identified as the primary contributors.

The crisis has reached the highest levels of government, with the presidency naming Bali a priority zone for environmental intervention...