BADUNG, DEWATA.NEWS – Management of a beach club near Berawa Beach in North Kuta has taken emergency measures after a video showing stagnant water suspected to be wastewater at the popular beach went viral on social media.
Heavy equipment was deployed from 8:00 a.m. local time on Monday (August 3) to level the sand, close a large depression on the beach, and restore the drainage channel that had been blocked for about a week.
According to Samsul Arifin, a project employee at Finns Beach Club, the work was carried out to address natural conditions caused by recent high waves and heavy rainfall, which eroded the shoreline and created a deep basin where water became trapped.
“The heavy equipment has been operating since around 8:00 a.m. The sand is being leveled so there will no longer be a depression holding water from the drainage channel,” Arifin said.
He explained that the affected area is a public beach rather than private property. However, the beach club decided to assist as part of an emergency response. In addition to filling the depression, workers also cleaned the drainage channel to restore water flow toward the sea.
“For about a week the water couldn’t flow. Strong waves and heavy rain eroded the sand, creating a deep depression. Our owner immediately instructed us to close the pooled water,” he added.
Tibubeneng Village Head I Made Kamajaya said the stagnant water was not caused by a single business. He stated that natural conditions were the primary reason the drainage outlet became blocked.
“Natural conditions prevented the water from flowing directly into the sea. Combined with trash left by visitors, it eventually produced an unpleasant odor,” Kamajaya said.
He confirmed that village authorities coordinated with Finns Beach Club to carry out emergency work using heavy equipment to reopen the drainage outlet and close the depression.
Kamajaya emphasized that the beach club’s involvement was a form of corporate social responsibility rather than a legal obligation, as the affected area is public infrastructure.
“This is an emergency response to remove the stagnant water as quickly as possible. The water can now flow back into the sea, and the depression has been filled. Responsibility for permanent infrastructure remains with the government,” he said.
Looking ahead, the village government is urging the Badung Regency administration to implement a permanent drainage improvement project at Berawa Beach. Officials said the Public Works Office has already prepared a drainage design.
The village also called for stricter monitoring of wastewater treatment systems (IPAL) operated by businesses in the area to help prevent similar incidents in the future.
“We want this issue resolved comprehensively. The drainage infrastructure needs permanent improvements, and wastewater treatment systems should be monitored more closely so similar incidents do not affect the environment or Berawa’s tourism reputation,” Kamajaya concluded.