The Supreme court has rejected calls for a judicial review challenging Bali’s administration about their recent decision to ban single-use plastic.
“The verdict means that the gubernatorial regulation that limits the use of single-use plastic has a strong legal position and can be applied across Bali,” Bali Governor Wayan Koster confirmed.
The governor had earlier introduced Gubernatorial Regulation (Pergub) No. 97/2018 in December, which limits the use of single-use plastic. He expressed that he aims to reduce Bali’s marine plastic use by 70 per cent in one year.
Environmentalists have applauded the governor’s effort. However, business owners have protested the decision, claiming that it would negatively impact their businesses. The Plastic Recyclers Association (ADUPI) and two businessmen, Didie Tjahjadi and Agus Hartono Boedi Santoso, challenged the regulation in the Supreme Court. The court has rejected their request for a judicial review and ordered all plantiffs to pay Rp1million to cover the cost of the case.
The verdict reads: “An extraordinary policy to limit single-use plastic is urgently needed to address the plastic waste crisis.”
Koster claims that the Supreme Court’s decision will grant Bali the chance to free itself from plastic waste. “All stakeholders must comply with the governor’s regulation to maintain the sacredness and harmony of Bali,” the governor added.
Source: The Jakarta Post
Image: Mongabay