Bali Official Confirms Kuta Beach Erosion Will Be Solved By 2023

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Bali’s world-famous Kuta Beach is experiencing increased beach erosion as the years go by. This is putting communities around Kuta Village and Regency Departments in a catch-22 situation. On the one hand, they are cautious about the impact coastal management systems would have a negative impact on the aesthetic of the beach.

While on the other hand, if nothing is done the beach will continue to be eroded and their livelihoods will be impacted in an even more extreme way than if unsightly measures are put in place. 

Ecologists and conservationists have urged that action must be taken before the coast path, treeline and road collapses due to the impact of the sand erosion and encroaching waters. If erosion is allowed to continue at this rapid pace, there will be little left of Kuta’s iconic sandy beach in the next few years. 

Local community leader Wayan Wasista has confirmed this week that there are plans for structural reinforcements along Kuta Beach. Speaking on behalf of the local community he said that they had received guarantees from the Badung Public Works and Spatial Planning Agency that work would be completed by 2023.

He said that he hopes the authorities do not waste any time in putting plans into motion. He noted that reinforcements needed to focus on protecting the beach from the impact of the rising tides, but also debris in the upstream waterway in the Balai-Penida River Region. 

When speaking to local news reporters Wasista said that the community has requested that the Badung Public Works and Spatial Planning Agency not build a cumbersome embankment or gabion sea wall since these are unsightly and costly to maintain.

He is conscious that wave breaks would destroy the world-famous waves that flow into Kuta Beach. Revenue for surf hire and surf lessons makes up a huge proportion of the income for beach vendors in Kuta. He stated how he hoped that the government would consult the local community before pressing forward with any plans. 

Speaking on behalf of the Badung Public Works and Spatial Planning Agency, Ida Bagus Suamba confirmed that his department is responsible for maintaining the Samigita beaches; Seminyak, Legian, and Kuta. He explained how there is a project that is due to start soon that will be outsourced to a contracting agency. 

The erosion management system that the Badung Public Works and Spatial Planning Agency will deliver involves sand nourishment. The process generally involved replacing the sand and sediment that has been lost by erosion from the sea or wind.

By replenishing the sand the natural beauty of the landscape can be preserved while the beach and coastline can be projected from erosion and flooding. This can be done by creating sand piles or keeping the ocean at bay with man-made troughs, or a combination of both. 

Suamba confirmed that the worst affected around is Setra Asem Celagi in South Kuta and that the project had been approved. This news comes in the same week as the Japanese government signed a contract to fund phase two of the Bali Beach Conservation Project. The multi-million dollar initiative is focusing on holistic conservation efforts across the coastlines of Sanur, Nusa Dua, Kuta, and Tanah Lot.

Local communities and the tourism sector are hopeful that these conservation efforts can be targeted and coordinated. Ahead of the G20 Summit in November, there is a huge mangrove reforestation project underway in Jimbaran. All of these pockets of conservation will eventually join to create a strong and stable coastline for Bali.

The benefits of this are three found. The natural beauty of Bali’s coastline can be preserved and the ecology supported to thrive. Local livelihoods, especially in the tourism sector become more secure and climate-resistant. Thirdly, locals and travelers from all over the world and enjoy the stunning beaches of Bali for many more years to come.