DENPASAR, DEWATA.NEWS – A member of Indonesia’s House of Representatives has renewed concerns over a suspected diesel spill in the Benoa mangrove area after detecting a strong fuel odor during a site visit.
I Nyoman Parta, a Commission III legislator representing Bali, said he stopped by the location on Tuesday (March 3) while heading to I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport.
“On my way to the airport, I stopped at the mangrove area in Benoa where trees have died. There was diesel present at the site and the smell was very strong,” Parta said.
He expressed concern that if the fuel spreads further during high tide, the environmental impact could worsen and lead to additional mangrove deaths.
“If this is not handled immediately, when the tide rises it could spread further and cause more damage,” he added.
Parta also questioned the role of several state-owned enterprises linked to activities around Benoa Port. He stated that Pertamina, as a state-owned energy company, should demonstrate environmental responsibility.
He further mentioned the Class II Benoa Harbormaster Office (KSOP) as the port authority and Pelindo as the operator of Benoa Port, saying that visible action to address the issue has yet to be seen.
“These state-owned companies take revenue from Bali, but when problems arise, they tend to deflect responsibility. It is unfortunate to see a lack of empathy and accountability,” he said.
Parta urged relevant institutions to immediately conduct an investigation and implement mitigation measures to prevent further ecological damage. The Benoa mangrove forest is widely regarded as a natural coastal buffer and an important habitat for marine life in southern Bali.
Previously, on February 20, 2026, Parta reported the discovery of hundreds of dead mangrove plants along Jalan Raya Pelabuhan Benoa. Laboratory analysis conducted by a team from Udayana University’s Agricultural Hospital confirmed that the mangroves died due to contamination from diesel fuel. The case has since been reported to Bali Police for further investigation.