Kuta Beach Erosion Worsening, Mitigation Awaits Central Government Action

The condition of Kuta Beach in Badung, Bali, shows no signs of improvement. During periods of full moons or ‘tilem’ (new moons), high waves continue to erode the shoreline, damaging facilities in the coastal area. To date, erosion mitigation efforts are still awaiting the realisation of programmes from the central government.

I Putu Gilang Bayu Sadra Putra, Assistant Manager of DTW Kuta Beach, stated that large waves occur seasonally, following the cycles of high and low tides. “Large waves do have their seasons. Usually, during ‘tilem’ as it is now, the water level rises, and there will be a cycle for it to recede again,” Gilang said on Monday.

According to Gilang, the central government has designed an erosion management programme. However, the target for its realisation remains uncertain due to obstacles involving the replacement of sand dredging vessels. “The programme is actually underway, but there are constraints that necessitate the replacement of sand dredging ships, from what I have heard,” he added.

In the southern part of Kuta Beach, breakwaters have been constructed in an attempt to reduce erosion, though their long-term effectiveness remains uncertain. While waiting for the central government’s programme to commence, temporary mitigation involves dredging sand from the sea to replenish the shoreline. This measure is being taken to protect the jogging track area along the Kuta Beach coast.

“The temporary sand infilling or addition is solely for the protection of the coastline and the jogging track,” said Gilang.

Erosion has also caused several sections of the jogging track to become damaged, tilted, or lost due to wave action. Gilang noted that the repair of these facilities falls under the authority of the Badung Regency Government. “Once the sand infilling project from the central government is realised, repairs will follow to ensure the efforts are not wasted when large waves arrive again,” he said.

Observations on Monday afternoon showed low tide conditions. Several vendors were seen placing chairs closer to the shoreline to allow tourists to enjoy the sea view. However, once night falls, they move the chairs to higher ground to anticipate high tides the following morning and prevent them from being swept away by waves.