BULELENG, DEWATA.NEWS – A whale carcass was found stranded in a decomposed state on Lovina Beach, Kalibukbuk Village, Buleleng Regency, Bali, on Sunday night (January 11, 2026).
Head of Kalibukbuk customary hamlet, Gede Suarajana, said the carcass was first discovered by local residents at around 21:30 WITA, when fishermen were monitoring high waves along the coast.
“At that time, heavy rain was falling, the sea level was rising, and waves were high. The whale had already stranded in a dead and decomposing condition,” Suarajana said on Monday (January 12).
According to him, the advanced state of decomposition made it difficult for residents to identify the species of whale. Adverse weather conditions also hampered initial handling efforts at the site.
Local residents, together with fishermen and marine tourism operators, coordinated to move the carcass to a safer location. The evacuation was eventually carried out using heavy equipment, with logistical and financial support from relevant government agencies, including the Bali Marine and Fisheries Agency.
“The whale carcass was buried because it had begun to emit a strong odor,” Suarajana added.
He noted that whale strandings in the Lovina area are considered rare events. He suspects the incident was linked to extreme marine weather conditions, including high waves and strong winds, which have affected northern Bali waters in recent days.
Authorities continue to monitor coastal conditions as rough seas and heavy rainfall persist across parts of Bali.