BADUNG, DEWATA.NEWS – Large volumes of marine debris have once again accumulated along Kuta Beach, Badung Regency, since Saturday night, January 17, 2026, with cleanup teams collecting up to 30 truckloads of waste per day amid strong monsoon-driven currents.
The debris, dominated by large pieces of driftwood, now stretches along the southern section of the beach. Daily removal has reached approximately 25–30 trucks, each carrying around five cubic meters of waste.
Assistant Manager of the Kuta Beach Tourism Area, I Putu Gilang Bayu Sadra Putra, said the phenomenon is an annual occurrence linked to west monsoon winds. He noted that smaller amounts of debris began appearing in December 2025, but conditions escalated significantly over the weekend.
“Marine debris usually starts appearing in December, but initially it’s limited to small plastics and seaweed-like material. The situation became extreme starting Saturday night,” he said on Tuesday, January 20, 2026.
According to Gilang, the waste washing ashore includes various materials such as wood, bamboo, plastic, and sandals, with timber making up the largest share.
“There are large logs, smaller wooden branches, bamboo, plastic items, sandals this is the kind of seasonal debris we receive every year at Kuta Beach,” he explained.
The debris initially spread along the beachfront before being pushed southward by changing sea currents.
“Last night the current moved south. Earlier the debris was in front of the office area, but high water levels and the southbound current carried it further down the beach,” he added.
Cleanup operations are being supported by three heavy machines provided by the Badung Environmental and Sanitation Agency. Collected waste is temporarily stored at a nearby cemetery area before being transported to Suwung Landfill.
Gilang acknowledged that the debris affects visitor comfort, especially during peak tourism periods. However, he said many tourists understand the situation.
“Of course it disrupts the experience. But visitors who are familiar with Kuta generally understand that this is incoming marine debris caused by natural conditions, not waste generated by activities on the beach,” he said.
Authorities continue cleanup efforts while monitoring sea conditions, as monsoon patterns are expected to persist in the coming weeks.