Kuta’s Iconic Beach Faces Severe Erosion Threat
Badung, Bali – The picturesque coastline stretching from Kuta to Seminyak is under threat from severe erosion, with up to 30 meters of shoreline lost over the past two decades. This alarming situation is most evident at Kuta Beach, which has seen its once-vast sandy expanse nearly vanish due to relentless waves and high tides.
Observations reveal that the shoreline, particularly from the Kuta Beach Task Force office to Beachwalk Mall, has drastically diminished. I Wayan Sirna, head of the Kuta Beach Task Force, lamented the stark contrast between the current conditions and those of 20 years ago when the beach extended significantly farther inland, attracting sunbathers and surfers from around the world.
“Now, the remaining beach during high tide is barely two meters before reaching the pedestrian path. Sometimes, the seawater even floods the area,” Sirna said on Wednesday (20/11/2024), adding that international tourists frequently express disappointment with the beach’s deteriorating state.
Efforts to mitigate the damage, including protective structures, have proven insufficient. Komang Alit Ardana, leader of Kuta’s traditional village council, emphasized the urgency of conservation to preserve Kuta Beach, a vital symbol of Bali’s tourism identity.
“We’ve coordinated with the government and the Bali-Penida River Basin Authority (BWS) for immediate action. If left unaddressed, the beach will lose its iconic appeal,” Ardana warned.
BWS Bali Penida has planned a comprehensive coastal conservation project encompassing Kuta, Legian, and Seminyak. The initiative, scheduled to begin in December 2024, includes building four breakwaters, modifying an existing one, and replenishing sand, with a projected budget of IDR 267 billion.
The project, expected to continue through 2026, aims to restore Kuta Beach to its former glory. “We hope the work aligns with what has been communicated and helps revive the beach for locals and tourists alike,” Ardana said optimistically.
Surfers, meanwhile, are reassured that the northern swells will remain unaffected. Still, the community agrees that action is urgently needed to prevent further erosion and safeguard one of Bali’s most iconic destinations.
Sources from DetikBali.
