Bali is currently facing one of its most challenging monsoon seasons in years. As the heavy rains and storms have recently subsided a bit, the repercussions are still evident throughout the island, especially along the picturesque coastlines of Central South Bali.
The Plastic Crisis on Jimbaran and Kuta Beaches
The problem has hit hard at Bali’s Jimbaran and Kuta Beaches, where relentless tides have brought in staggering amounts of plastic and ocean debris. It’s heartbreaking to witness, especially for those of us who cherish Bali’s natural beauty.
Calling All Hands: Join the Cleanup Effort
This weekend—January 4th and 5th—community members and tourists alike are invited to participate in one of the largest beach cleanup initiatives in recent times. Just imagine walking along the beach and realizing you can make a difference. It’s a perfect opportunity to connect with fellow travelers and locals while doing something meaningful!
Event Details
The cleanup, organized by the dedicated local environmental NGO, Sungai Watch, will kick off on January 4th at 7 AM at Kedonganan Beach in Jimbaran and is expected to wrap up around noon.
On Sunday, January 5th, the cleanup will unfold in two shifts, starting again at Kedonganan Beach. The first shift runs from 7 AM to 11 AM, while the second shift takes place from 2 PM to 5 PM. You can choose to volunteer for one or both shifts, depending on your schedule.
A Community Response
Sadly, Kedonganan Beach and Jimbaran Beach have been among the hardest hit by plastic waste, although Kuta and Legian Beach have also experienced significant trash accumulation lately. Gary Bencheghib, co-founder of Sungai Watch, expressed the urgency in an Instagram post: “This weekend, we’re attempting to organize the biggest cleanup we have ever organized, and we need all helping hands.”
Turning the Tide Against Plastic Pollution
In just the past week, over 25 tons of plastic have been collected, and yet the waves keep bringing more. Bencheghib emphasized: “We are experiencing a plastic emergency in Jimbaran.” With the newly appointed Minister of Tourism and Minister of Environment visiting Bali this weekend, there’s hope that addressing this plastic pollution will become a national priority.
When I first visited Bali a few years ago, I was captivated by its beauty—stunning beaches, lush greenery, and a warm community. But I also became aware of the environmental issues that weigh on the island, and it has stuck with me ever since. This weekend’s cleanup reminds us that everyone can make a difference—whether you’re a local or a traveler.
Reflecting on the Numbers
To date, over 25,000 kilograms of trash have been pulled from Kedonganan Beach. However, the sheer amount of waste that’s infiltrated Bali’s coastline since the onset of the monsoon season is still unknown. Each year, Kedonganan Beach faces severe impacts due to ocean currents, and sadly, this doesn’t seem to be changing.
During clean-up operations, community volunteers have discovered live turtles trapped in the plastic waste, some of which were successfully rescued and returned to the ocean. However, it’s troubling to think about the harm that remains unseen, particularly to marine wildlife.
Footage from Jimbaran-Kuta Beach shocked many on January 2nd, showing thousands of small fish stranded on the beach, caught in debris. Local heroes came together, striving to return as many fish as possible back to the ocean, but for many, it was a race against time.
Looking Ahead: A Call for Solutions
Over the holiday season, local leaders have urged measures to mitigate the trash inflow onto Bali’s most beloved beaches. Officials from the Indonesian Tourism Industry Association have requested the implementation of protective nets offshore to capture debris before it reaches the shoreline.
“In the future, waste should be collected from the sea, not just from the beach,” mentioned Ida Bagus Agung Partha Adnyana, the Chairman of GIPI Bali. It’s a collective effort that requires cooperation among government bodies, the private sector, and communities.
Ayu Marthini, a press officer for the Ministry of Tourism, called for unity in addressing the issue of plastic pollution. “If all of Indonesia is clean, incidents like these will become much less frequent,” she stated. It’s a shared responsibility that spans beyond Bali, calling every individual in our communities to step up.
Join the Fight Against Plastic Pollution
So, if you’re in Bali this weekend, consider taking part in the cleanup. It’s an opportunity to connect with others, enjoy the beauty of Bali, and contribute to a crucial cause. Together, we can turn the tide against plastic pollution and preserve the island we love. Every helping hand counts!
