Bali and Lombok face ecological threats from mass tourism

Bali and Lombok are facing significant ecological and social challenges due to mass tourism. In Bali, particularly in the Canggu area, rapid construction and an exponential increase in waste are threatening the island's natural landscape, infrastructure, and social fabric. Local residents and environmental groups have expressed concerns regarding the loss of traditional rice fields to new developments and the impact of tourist behavior on local customs.

In response to these issues, religious leaders and theologians held a seminar in Lombok titled ‘Theology of Tourism amidst the Polycrisis’. Organized by the United Evangelical Mission and the Communion of Churches in Indonesia, the event brought together 50 participants to discuss ecological justice. The seminar emphasized that tourism driven solely by economic profit threatens ecosystems and the livelihoods of indigenous communities. Participants called for a development model that prioritizes environmental resilience, sustainability, and the protection of local cultures and rights.