BADUNG, DEWATA.NEWS – The Kuta Beach coastal protection and revitalization project has recorded significant progress, reaching 31 percent completion as of early January 2026, far exceeding the initial target of around 10 percent for this stage. Despite the accelerated pace of structural work, the sand filling phase continues to face delays due to weather conditions and licensing issues.
According to Bambang Kardono, Commitment-Making Official (PPK) for River and Coastal Section I at BWS Bali-Penida, on-site construction has progressed rapidly, particularly in the development of breakwaters. Of the five breakwaters planned under the project, three have been completed, while the remaining two are still under construction.
“All breakwaters are expected to be completed by February 2026,” Bambang said when confirmed on Tuesday (6/1).
However, he acknowledged that sand filling operations have not yet been able to proceed as planned. The delays are primarily caused by the late issuance of operational permits for offshore sand dredging vessels, combined with unfavorable sea conditions. High waves have affected both safety and work efficiency in offshore operations.
“The main challenges are the vessel permits and weather conditions, as sea waves have been quite high,” he explained.
At present, BWS Bali-Penida is installing pipeline infrastructure extending toward the sea. These pipelines will later be connected directly to offshore vessels responsible for transporting and distributing sand to the beach areas. If preparations progress smoothly, sand filling is expected to begin in mid-January.
“Hopefully, sand filling operations can start around January 15, 2026,” Bambang added.
Previously, Head of the Water Resources Network Implementation Unit (PJSA) at BWS Bali-Penida, I Gede Lanang Sunu Perbawa, stated that sand filling is a key component of the Ministry of Public Works’ efforts to protect the coastline from abrasion. The work also aims to restore the beach’s original width to ensure it can continue to support community activities and tourism.
“This project is designed to secure the coastline while also accommodating public and tourism-related activities along the beach,” Lanang said.
The Kuta Beach arrangement project is scheduled for completion in November 2026 and is divided into three development zones. Zone 1 covers Pantai Sekeh, from the direction of I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport to the first breakwater, with sand filling along 490 meters and an estimated volume of 160,000 cubic meters.
Zone 2 stretches from Pantai Sekeh to Setra Asem Celagi in Kuta, spanning 2.85 kilometers with approximately 310,000 cubic meters of sand. Zone 3 includes Kuta Beach, Legian, Seminyak, and Petitenget, covering around 2 kilometers with an estimated sand volume of 140,000 cubic meters.