Thousands of Buleleng residents clean up coastal beaches
Buleleng, Bali (ANTARA) – A total of 5,200 residents from various walks of life in Buleleng Regency, Bali collected waste at seven coastal points, supporting the national Indonesia Asri (Safe, Healthy, Clean, Beautiful) programme launched by President Prabowo Subianto.
“Buleleng residents simultaneously collected waste in the Bali Waste-Free Movement, divided across seven beach sites: Kampung Baru Beach, Kubu Jati Beach, Penarukan Beach, Kayu Buntil Beach, Camplung Beach, Pemaron Beach and Anturan Beach,” said Buleleng Regent I Nyoman Sutjidra alongside Vice Regent Gede Supriatna at Kampung Baru Beach, Buleleng, Bali, on Sunday.
He stated that the activity was not merely ceremonial, but rather a joint declaration of commitment by all community members to collectively protect the sea and maintain life.
“With a coastline of approximately 157 kilometres, the longest in Bali, Buleleng faces significant challenges from imported waste, particularly during extreme weather. However, within these challenges, collaborative strength emerges. We may not know where the waste originates from, but we know cleanliness is our shared responsibility. This is Buleleng’s manifestation of mutual cooperation,” he said.
The Bali Waste-Free Movement in Buleleng today demonstrates that when government and community move together, change becomes reality rather than merely discussion.
“This movement must become a culture. Clean beaches are not only for tourism, but for our descendants. We protect the sea, and the sea protects us,” he emphasised.
Meanwhile, Committee Chair I Gede Putra Aryana stated that the activity aimed to increase public awareness and participation, alongside all government elements, in maintaining environmental cleanliness by reducing plastic waste accumulation across all areas, particularly in coastal zones, whilst also preserving the beauty and sustainability of beaches as tourist destinations and public spaces in Buleleng Regency.
“The collection and sorting of organic and inorganic waste, particularly plastic which dominates coastal areas. Collected waste is transported by the Environmental Services Office to Bengkala landfill for further processing,” he said.
From urban to rural areas, from coastal to residential zones, the activity involved the Regional Leadership Coordination Forum, the Regional People’s Representative Council, the military and police, the prosecutor’s office, courts, regional apparatus, regional-owned enterprises, district heads, village heads, village officials, environmental communities, students, schoolchildren, tourism business operators, and the general public.
Beyond merely cleaning, the activity strengthened commitment to Source-Based Waste Management (PSBS), which involves sorting and reducing waste from each household and local environment.