BADUNG, DEWATA.NEWS – Management of The Nusa Dua tourism area in Bali has confirmed that beach conditions remain safe after a suspected shark sighting was reported in waters near the resort area on Friday (22/5/2026).
The Indonesian Tourism Development Corporation (ITDC), which manages The Nusa Dua complex, stated that the marine animal observed offshore was not considered dangerous to humans.
General Manager of The Nusa Dua, I Made Agus Dwiatmika, said there had been no panic or public disturbance among tourists or local residents following the incident.
“Until now, security teams in the field have not found any situation causing panic or concerning reports from the public or tourists,” he said on Sunday (24/5/2026).
According to Dwiatmika, ITDC patrol officers, police personnel, and vital object security teams first noticed an object resembling a fish fin in offshore waters at around 9:30 a.m. local time on Friday.
However, authorities could not confirm whether the object was actually a shark because it was located far from the shoreline and did not approach swimming or tourism areas.
“The object was positioned far from the beach area and did not move toward tourist activity zones. Due to the observation distance, the team could not identify the object with certainty,” he explained.
A follow-up monitoring operation conducted on Saturday (23/5/2026) reportedly found no further sightings, and authorities confirmed that beach activities continued normally.
Dwiatmika noted that similar incidents had occurred previously in 2013 and 2019, when blacktip sharks were seen near coastal waters while following plankton movements and schools of small fish.
He explained that blacktip sharks are generally shy, avoid humans, and are not considered dangerous because they mainly feed on small fish, squid, and crustaceans.
“Similar events occurred in 2013 and 2019 involving blacktip sharks, which are known to avoid humans and are not dangerous,” he said.
ITDC also stated that the appearance of marine wildlife could indicate that the coastal ecosystem in Nusa Dua remains in good condition.
Despite the low risk, ITDC said it continues coordinating with marine police and lifeguard teams to monitor the area and maintain visitor safety.
“We urge residents and tourists to remain calm and follow instructions from officers in the field. Further updates will be provided if there is verified new information,” Dwiatmika added.