Bali Towards Net Zero Emissions by 2045: What Do Residents Say About the Low Emission Area?

Bali is known as a world tourist paradise. But behind its beauty, there are major challenges being faced: the high volume of vehicles that cause congestion and air pollution as well as climate change. Bali Province has the ambition to become the first province in Indonesia to achieve net zero emissions by 2045. Through the ambitious vision of Bali Net Zero Emissions 2045, Bali Province targets 100% renewable energy for new power plants, 100% electric motors, and 40% electric cars from total vehicles. But the question is: how? One effort that can be made is through the Low Emission Area (LEA) initiative, a certain zone that limits fossil-fueled motorized vehicles and encourages non-motorized transportation (NMT) such as walking which is the highest peak in the pyramid of transportation modes. Examples of other NMT modes include bicycles, pedicabs, horse-drawn carts, etc. From August 2023 to January 2024, a research team from the Wisnu Foundation conducted a Social Impact Research Study in Low Emission Areas and Relevant Mitigation Plans using qualitative and quantitative methods in four areas: Kuta, Sanur, Ubud, and Nusa Penida. This study was made possible by the support and initiative of the World Resources Institute (WRI) Indonesia.

What is a Low Emission Zone?

A Low Emission Zone (LEA) is an area that limits fossil fuel-based motorized vehicles, encourages the use of public and environmentally friendly transportation, thus supporting the creation of a pedestrian-friendly area. The goal is of course clear, to reduce carbon emissions, improve air quality, and maintain a comfortable environment for the community and tourists. The main goal is in line with Bali’s grand vision: Bali Net Zero Emissions 2045, which means Bali wants to balance the amount of carbon emissions produced and absorbed to reach “emission breakeven”.

The Community is Starting to Aware, But…

There were 773 respondents who voiced their opinions about climate change, transportation, and expectations for the LEA policy. The majority of Balinese interviewed already understand what climate change is. They feel its direct impacts: unpredictable seasons, rising sea levels, failed harvests, and extreme weather that increases electricity costs. But even though they are aware, not everyone is ready to change. Some are still worried that LEA will hinder mobility, especially in the tourism sector. This policy can also have an impact on reducing income for the surrounding community, especially for people who rent conventional motorized vehicles, or local drivers and online application drivers.

There are also those who say that electric vehicles are still impractical due to the lack of supporting facilities such as charging stations. Based on the number of vehicle ownership, motorbikes still dominate in all areas and the highest motorbike ownership is in the Kuta area (774 units). This shows that the Balinese people have a high dependence on private vehicles that produce large emissions and the lack of interest in using public transportation needs to be a special concern for the government. Electric vehicles are most widely owned in Nusa, this shows a positive early adoption trend. In addition, bicycles are still popular in Sanur and Kuta, making it a good opportunity to encourage low-emission mobility. “If the goal is good, we support it. But don’t let us, the little ones, become victims,” ​​said one of the small business actors in Sanur.

Electric Vehicles? Interested But Confused

Interestingly, many residents are curious and interested in electric vehicles. But this interest has not been followed by adequate supporting facilities. In several areas such as Sanur and Kuta, electric motorbikes have begun to be used by online motorcycle taxis, but in Ubud and Nusa Penida, their use is still limited. Some residents even choose to continue using conventional vehicles because they are cheaper and easier to access.

Ready to Change, As Long As There is Support

The survey results show that residents with a positive perception of LEA are more likely to change, such as starting to sort waste, save electricity, or try electric vehicles. But they also need real support from the government, such as:

• Electric vehicle infrastructure
• Reliable public transportation
• Massive public education
• Policies that do not burden small residents or business actors

Study Shows: There is Potential for Change

The study shows that the level of positive public perception of LEA is moderate to high, especially in the Ubud and Nusa Penida areas. This positive perception is based on:

• Optimism that LEA can reduce pollution
• Adaptability to new technologies such as electric vehicles

Behavioral Change Level:

• Adult and male workers show faster changes
• Incomes above IDR 10 million have a high tendency to change behavior because higher incomes are considered to have options in choosing vehicles such as electric vehicles that are in accordance with LEA policies.
• The Ubud area is considered more ready than Kuta and Sanur

At this stage of behavioral change, the majority of Balinese people are still in the preparation or determination stage and some have started to take action or action.

Lifestyle Change: Is Bali Ready?

Young respondents (under 30) showed the highest level of behavioral change, from being interested in cycling, walking, to trying electric vehicles. However, technical barriers remain:

• Narrow and damaged sidewalks
• No seating or shelters for resting
• Minimal efficient and comfortable public transportation

“We want to change, but walking facilities are not safe,” – Ubud Resident

Local Voices from the Workshop: Hopes and Concerns

In the LEA Impact Study Workshop (June 25, 2024), representatives from traditional villages, government, and residents voiced important issues:

Sanur & Kuta

• Business potential: bicycle rental, low-emission sea taxis, provision of public electric vehicle charging stations
• Ideal LEA model: car-free night on Kuta beach, bike zone in Sanur
• Note: there is still resistance, especially from conventional business actors

Ubud & Nusa Penida

• Business potential: electric motorbike rental, reflexology massage, local cuisine
• LEA model: shuttle access to central Ubud, entry cards for local residents, car-free day in Nusa Penida
• Note: Nusa Penida society tends to be conservative, requires a special approach

Opportunities and Challenges Towards LEA

Challenges:

• The absence of strong LEZ (Low Emission Zone) regulations
• Potential conflict with transportation and tourism business actors
• The lack of green areas and legal parking spaces
• The OSS system opens up opportunities for massive land conversion
• Commitment or political will from the Bali Provincial Government regarding Regional Original Income (PAD) because so far the Bali Province has received large revenues from motor vehicle taxes and motor vehicle transfer fees.

Opportunities:

• Coordination with traditional villages for spatial planning & education
• Support from young communities through social media & creative campaigns
• Preparation of incentive mechanisms such as vehicle conversion and EV subsidies

Learning from Malioboro: Change Takes Time & Strategy

The field study also compared it with the success story of the Malioboro area in Yogyakarta, which is now an icon of a pedestrian and low-emission area. What’s the key?

• Phased plan for 20 years
• Synergy between government, informal leaders, and communities
• Strategy for moving parking, shuttles, and cultural campaigns

Bali can learn from this: without grassroots support and regulations that are aligned between the central and regional governments, LEA can be just talk.

Conclusion: Bali Can Do It, As Long As We Work Together

Low Emission Areas are not just about technology, but about culture, habits, and fair access. If designed in a participatory manner, in accordance with local character, and supported by indigenous communities, LEA can be a real solution for cleaner air, healthier mobility, and sustainable tourism.

“Bali has a lot to improve for the future. LEA is not a quick-service project, but a long-term project.” – Workshop Participant.