BADUNG, DEWATA.NEWS – Coastal erosion along Bali’s popular Kuta Beach has intensified in recent months following periods of extreme weather and high waves, prompting authorities in Badung Regency to expand coastal protection measures.
Local officials say the erosion has become increasingly visible in parts of Kuta and nearby coastal areas despite earlier short-term mitigation efforts.
Badung Regent I Wayan Adi Arnawa said the government has begun addressing the issue by coordinating with the River Basin Authority (BWS), which is currently installing breakwaters along sections of the coastline.
“We have taken steps to address the abrasion. The River Basin Authority is currently installing breakwaters, which are intended to help reduce the impact of waves and prevent further coastal erosion,” Arnawa said during a beach clean-up activity in Jimbaran.
According to the regent, the installation of breakwaters is part of the government’s initial strategy to reduce the impact of strong waves that continue to erode the shoreline in several coastal locations.
The Badung Regency Government has also prepared additional funding through the regional budget to continue coastal protection projects aimed at safeguarding Kuta Beach, one of Bali’s most visited tourism destinations.
Arnawa explained that large-scale coastal beautification or redevelopment efforts will only take place after the erosion problem is addressed.
“Our priority is to secure Kuta Beach first. Once the coastal protection structures are completed, we can then proceed with broader beach area improvements. If we carry out beautification before resolving the erosion problem, it would be ineffective,” he said.
To support the effort, the Badung Regency Government has allocated approximately IDR 250 billion this year to continue building coastal protection infrastructure along the western shoreline.
The project is planned to cover several coastal areas, including the stretch from Seminyak to Canggu.
Acting Head of the Badung Public Works and Spatial Planning Agency, AA Rama Putra, said the allocated budget will focus on strengthening coastal defenses between Petitenget Beach and Cemagi.
“The allocated budget will be used to build coastal protection structures such as revetments along the Petitenget to Cemagi coastline,” Rama Putra said.
In addition to revetments, the government is also considering other mitigation approaches depending on the results of ongoing technical assessments.
One possible option includes the construction of additional breakwaters if further wave protection is deemed necessary.
Officials hope the coastal protection projects will help reduce erosion risks while maintaining the long-term sustainability of Bali’s western coastline, which remains a key tourism area in Badung Regency.