Eyewitness News — BADUNG
Bali Governor Wayan Koster, alongside Bali Vice Governor I Nyoman Giri Prasta, accompanied the 5th President of the Republic of Indonesia and Chairperson of the Steering Committee of the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN), Megawati Soekarnoputri, to inspect abrasion conditions at Kuta Beach, Kuta District, Badung Regency, on Sunday afternoon (10/11/2026).
BRIN Steering Committee Chairperson Megawati Soekarnoputri emphasized the importance of cross-ministerial synergy, research institutions, academics, and local governments in tackling coastal abrasion issues, particularly in Bali.
According to Megawati, handling abrasion cannot be done partially; instead, it must take into account Indonesia’s geographical characteristics as an archipelago.
“Smart individuals in institutions and ministries must understand that Indonesia is the world’s largest archipelagic nation. Therefore, do not think like you are managing a continent or continental landmass,” she stressed.
Emphasizing Collaboration and Local Wisdom
Megawati reminded all stakeholders to set aside sectoral egos and prioritize knowledge-based collaboration in formulating abrasion mitigation solutions.
”Our work must not be done piecemeal,” she stated.
She also encouraged the implementation of Balinese local wisdom, especially the Tri Hita Karana philosophy, as a foundation to maintain harmonious relationships between humans and nature. This value is deemed relevant in supporting environmental preservation efforts and the sustainability of Bali’s coastal areas.
Climate Change Poses a Serious Threat to Coastal Regions
Megawati further highlighted the threats of climate change, including global warming and polar ice melting, which threaten to worsen conditions in archipelagic territories like Indonesia.
She urged scientists, academics, and stakeholders to deliver concrete solutions through strengthened research, technological innovation, and cross-sector cooperation.
“Remember, the threats of global warming and polar ice melting are increasingly palpable for an archipelagic nation like Indonesia. This has been discussed for years, and as successors, we must be able to find the best solutions,” she said.
Kuta Beach Abrasion Threatens Infrastructure and Tourism
Abrasion in the Kuta Beach area has become a serious concern due to its impact on the beach’s physical condition, public facilities, tourism activities, and the local economy.
In 2026, abrasion conditions were reported to have grown increasingly alarming due to extreme weather and strong sea waves. The coastline recession rate is estimated to reach 1.9 meters per year, progressively narrowing the sandy areas utilized by tourists.
Wave pounding has also caused damage to several facilities, including pedestrian paths, retaining walls, and vendor activity areas.
Such conditions demand sustainable management, given that Kuta Beach is one of Bali’s tourism icons holding a strategic role in supporting the local economy.
Government Continues Construction of Coastal Protection Infrastructure
Triono Junoasmono, Expert Staff to the Minister of Public Works for Inter-Institutional Relations, stated that the government continues to pursue abrasion mitigation through the construction of coastal protection infrastructure.
One implemented measure is the construction of breakwaters in the southern part of Kuta Beach by the River Basin Organization (Balai Wilayah Sungai) in collaboration with the local government. This infrastructure is expected to dampen sea wave energy and reduce the impact of abrasion on coastal areas.
”Beaches in Bali are strategic assets, not merely for tourism, but also to support public economic growth,” he stated.
Roughly 30 Percent of Bali’s Coastline Affected by Abrasion
Triono revealed that approximately 30 percent of Bali’s total coastline, which spans over 1,300 kilometers, has been impacted by abrasion. Out of these conditions, the government still faces the homework of addressing around 85 kilometers of coastline.
He hopes the visit by the BRIN Steering Committee Chairperson and related government ranks will strengthen coordination and accelerate abrasion management efforts in Bali.
”Out of the 30 percent of Bali’s more than 1,300-kilometer coastline affected by abrasion, we still have 85 kilometers of homework to handle. Hopefully, with the visit of the Chairperson of the BRIN Steering Committee and other relevant parties, this can be resolved soon,” he said.
Visit Attended by Central and Regional Officials
The inspection of Kuta Beach’s abrasion conditions was also attended by BRIN Deputy Head Prof. Amarulla Octavian, Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P) Secretary-General Hasto Kristiyanto, Badung Regent I Wayan Adi Arnawa, and Badung Vice Regent Bagus Alit Sucipta.
Reporter: Daniel Herry
