“As we have seen on [the news] and social media, the plastic waste issue in Bali still needs attention,” Lloyd said on Tuesday in Denpasar, Bali, during a meeting with Bali Deputy Governor Tjokorda Oka Artha Ardhana Sukawati.

Lloyd regretted that plastic waste had marred the island’s natural beauty.

While single-use plastic bags were permitted in Europe, she said, customers needed to purchase it, which made Europeans prefer bringing their own bags to shop.

“In our country, plastic bags are recycled using machines,” she said as quoted by Antara.

Read also: Bogor plastic bag policy helps markedly cut waste

Tjokorda appreciated Lloyd’s interest in helping Bali’s fight against plastic waste, and that plastic waste was among the resort island's most critical problems.

The issue had led the local administration to issue Bali Gubernatorial Regulation No. 97/2018 that prohibited the use of plastic, including plastic straws.

“Restaurants and hotels are now using straws made from stainless steel or bamboo. Meanwhile, customers are expected to bring their own shopping bags,” he said.

Tjokorda added that Bali was the only province in Indonesia that had issued a regulation on plastic use. (jes/mut)