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Bali International Air Show Sparks New Energy in Indonesia’s Sustainable Aviation and Climate Initiatives
Monday, September 23, 2024
Bali has taken center stage this week with the return of the Bali International Air Show after a 20-year hiatus. The event has generated significant buzz, especially around Indonesia’s bold commitment to achieving net zero emissions.
However, as top tourist destinations face the looming threats of water shortages and droughts, environmentalists are sounding the alarm about the broader effects of climate change across the region.
At the air show, Indonesia revealed its plans to transition towards more sustainable aviation fuels. This move, in partnership with key stakeholders, represents a significant step forward in the country’s journey toward net zero emissions. Future fuel sources, including coconut oil, seaweed, and rice chaff, underline Indonesia’s dedication to embracing eco-friendly alternatives.
As part of the 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 commitment to sustainability isn’t limited to 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 stepping up as one of Asia’s premier medical tourism hubs, with a keen 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 featured exhibitions highlighting some of Bali’s most impactful green initiatives. Projects like BioRock, which helps restore coral reefs, and the BioSolar Farm, showcasing how solar energy can boost Bali’s agricultural sector, were showcased 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 strain.
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 bro …
