Amid Bali's picturesque beaches, alarming waves of plastic waste highlight the urgent need for community action and environmental awareness. Recent cleanup initiatives have united locals, hotel staff, and tourists, all of whom are working tirelessly to combat what has been described as "the worst" waves of plastic pollution hitting the island.
Between January 4 and 5, 2025, approximately 600 volunteers gathered at Kedonganan Beach, where they faced the grim reality of strewn plastic cups, straws, cutlery, and empty coffee sachets, mingled with wood and plant debris. Undeterred by the rain, these dedicated individuals collected trash by hand, filling hundreds of large sacks. The Environmental NGO Sungai Watch characterized this incident as Bali's worst plastic pollution event ever, managing to collect 25 tonnes of garbage in just six days. Gary Bencheghib, founder of Sungai Watch, reported, "We collected 25 tonnes of waste in just six days," marking this as their record cleanup accomplishment.
This problem is exacerbated by Indonesia’s position as one of the largest contributors to global plastic pollution. Much of Bali's debris originates from nearby Java, the country's most populous island, as annual monsoons sweep urban garbage from cities and rivers straight to the ocean. These trash-collecting seasonal rains typically present formidable challenges for maintaining the island's natural beauty, especially from November to March, when waste frequently washes ashore.
Efforts at another popular site, Kuta Beach, organized by Indonesia's Ministry of Environment on January 4, attracted 2,115 participants, including high-ranking officials across multiple government ministries. Minister Hanif Faisol Nurofiq emphasized the source of this pollution, stating, "This waste follows the currents, moving eastwards, then south, with some eventually being deposited along Bali’s coastline." He noted the concerning rise of debris accumulated from Java and other unspecified countries, driven by population growth and environmental practices.
At Kedonganan Beach, the local community rallied together with foreign volunteers, aided by Gary Bencheghib, who utilized social media for outreach. Volunteers were seen working diligently throughout the weekend, tirelessly collecting plastics and sorting them for recycling. Upon instagramming their progress, Sungai Watch shared, "When we clean up, new plastic waste keeps arriving. When will this end?" illustrating the continuous battle against persistent pollution.
Record numbers of visitors also heightened the urgency of these beach cleanups. Bali experienced 6.3 million foreign visitors throughout 2023, reflecting a booming post-pandemic tourism sector, with increased environmental pressures accompanying this influx. While tourism brings economic benefits, it creates considerable challenges for maintaining the island’s famed pristine beaches.
Despite the admirable attendance during these cleanup events, officials warn of likely future increases in waste accumulation on Bali's shores. Hanif Faisol Nurofiq projected, "The volume of waste washed up on Bali’s shores during 2024-2025 would exceed the last couple of years, as debris from major rivers continues to flow our way. The challenges of marine debris are significant, and proactive action is required to mitigate this crisis.”
The appeal for continued community efforts echoes throughout various local NGO initiatives. Organizations like Sungai Watch not only collect waste but are also high on education programs to raise awareness about the pollution issue and establish sustainable practices among residents and tourists alike.
With the monsoon still delivering its heavy rains and trash to the islands, the situation remains dynamic. Bali's natural beauty, once threatened by maritime litter, stands at the forefront of grassroots activism, with locals and tourists alike recognizing the necessity of cleaning and caring for their environment. The collaborative efforts speak volumes about local resilience and the community's commitment to safeguard Bali's picturesque coastlines for future generations.
Looking forward, both immediate and long-term solutions are being sought. These include enhancing waste management systems and advocating for significant policy changes directed at curbing plastic production and consumption. What remains evident is the urgent mobilization of community collaboration against plastic pollution—because when it rains heavily, Bali's picturesque shores should remain clean, safeguarded from the plagues of plastic litter.