A Quick Guide to Bali's 2024 Governor Election
At the end of this month, on November 27, 2024, a new governor of Bali will be elected. Here's a quick roundup of the candidates and what to expect from whoever wins this first-past-the-post election. The winning candidate will serve a term of five years and will play a fundamental role in both the development and preservation of Bali.
On November 27 2024, simultaneous elections for regional heads will be held across Indonesia.
Who Are the Candidates?
Wayan Koster
Wayan Koster is an incumbent candidate for governor, previously serving as Bali’s governor until being replaced by an acting governor (PLT). The 62 year old was a member of Indonesia’s national parliament for 15 years prior to becoming the governor of Bali. He also worked as a lecturer and researcher and holds a doctorate from Jakarta State University.
Koster’s running mate is I Nyoman Giri Prasta, the incumbent candidate from the Badung region, which includes areas such as Canggu, Seminyak, Kuta and Uluwatu. Together, Koster and Prasta represent PDI-P, which is Bali’s largest political party, and are supported by several other parties including the People’s Conscience Party (Hanura), the Indonesian Unity Party (Perindo), the National Awakening Party (PKB), the Crescent Star Party (PBB), the United Development Party (PPP), the Ummat Party, the People's Wave Party (Gelora), and the Labor Party. Polls suggest that public satisfaction with their roles is on the high side, with 84.2% for Koster as Governor and an impressive 94.4% for Giri Prasta in Badung.
Made Muliawan Arya
Made Muliawan Arya, who is also known as ‘De Gadjah’ in Bali, is only 43 years old and represents a younger generation of leadership. Before starting his political career, he worked in security management and business consulting. He has been deputy chairman of Denpasar’s local parliament since 2014, and currently leads the Gerindra party in Bali, alongside his running mate, Putu Agus Suradnyana.
Policy Discussions:
The campaigns of both Koster and Arya emphasize the need to improve infrastructure and basic services, including addressing traffic congestion issues in certain areas of the island, waste management systems, developing public transport options, and improving the water supply.
The issue of traffic congestion in Bali is one of the problems that the next Governor of Bali must address.
During the recent gubernatorial debate which took place on November the 8th, both candidates presented their approaches to one of Bali’s key issues - water management. Koster proposed implementing water piping systems in order to connect water sources to drier areas, whereas Arya outlined his three-part environmental solution which involves reforestation, the mass installation of biopore infiltration holes and the construction of culverts for rainwater collection.
Both candidates have noted the importance of balancing development with preserving Bali's unique natural and cultural heritage. Koster’s administration has a vision called ‘Nangun Sat Kerti Loka Bali,’ which means ‘Building the One and Only Universe in Bali.’ The framework has been developed with the input of hundreds of experts and researchers, and promotes the protection of water sources, nature and culture.
Arya’s team has a vision of offering solutions to everyday issues, such as expanding Bali’s educational and healthcare system, including the construction of two hospitals in the Klungkung region.
During the recent presidential visit, plans to build North Bali Airport were discussed and actively promoted by the new president, Prabowo. Koster praised the president for his wise ideas, but also touched on the need for gradual development, stating that current infrastructure was not ready. Arya supports the construction project, and backed up the president’s claims by suggesting that Bali could learn from Singapore or Hong Kong in terms of cleanliness, whilst still preserving Balinese culture and values.
The airport in North Bali could potentially be a solution to the issue of “over tourism” in Bali, which is currently a significant problem, particularly in South Bali
What Can the Polls Tell Us?
View Data Indonesia recently conducted polls which show Koster leading with about 71% support, with Arya having around 29%. Koster's strongest support comes from the regions of:
Gianyar (81%)
Tabanan (75%)
Badung (74.8%)
Important Dates
Campaign activities run until November 23
Voting happens on November 27
Final results should be announced by December 16
Bali’s next governor will steer the direction of infrastructural development, environmental protection, business regulations, public services and cultural preservation. Both candidates bring something unique to the table, with Koster having experience and a proven track record on his side, and Arya representing the younger generations with a fresh approach to the island’s future.
For those interested in learning more about the candidates or election results, we recommend staying tuned to local news sources and official announcements in the coming two months.
Written by Team Bali Solve
