BADUNG, DEWATA.NEWS – A strong foul odor was reported along Jalan Pantai Kuta, in front of Beachwalk Shopping Center, on Saturday morning (January 10), prompting reactions from passersby, including foreign tourists who were seen covering their noses while walking through the area.
Based on on-site observations, clear water was seen flowing from a wastewater drain cover located along the roadside. Despite its appearance, the water emitted a strong sewage-like smell. Local vendors said the odor has been noticeable since before the New Year period.
“In the morning and late afternoon, the smell is very bad,” said a vendor operating near Kuta Beach. The vendor suggested the odor may be linked to a blocked or damaged pipeline. “They say someone closed the channel, so the smell comes out. The water looks clear but smells bad. It could be leftover water from a pool,” the vendor added, pointing to the drain.
As of Saturday, the Head of Bali Province’s Public Works and Public Housing Agency (PUPR), Nusakti, had not responded to questions regarding the cause of the odor or the repair timeline.
However, an official letter from the Wastewater Management Technical Unit (UPTD PAL) under the Bali PUPR Agency, dated December 30, 2025, has been circulating publicly. The letter, signed by Head of UPTD PAL I Putu Sujana, explains that a 500-millimeter wastewater pipe along Jalan Pantai Kuta, near Pepito Mart, suffered a leak on December 20, 2025.
According to the document, the leak caused part of the road surface to subside, disrupting wastewater flow from the Kuta area. As a result, excavation work was required to repair the damaged pipeline. The repairs are being carried out by a third-party contractor, with the road expected to be restored to its original condition after completion.
The letter states that repair work was scheduled to begin in early January 2026, starting on January 2, following coordination meetings with relevant agencies held on December 24, 2025.
Jalan Pantai Kuta is one of Bali’s busiest tourist corridors, connecting major beachfront areas, hotels, shopping centers, and public spaces. While no official advisory has been issued, the odor has raised concerns about visitor comfort and environmental hygiene in the area.