Serangan Island is about to become one of Bali’s hottest tourism destinations.
As the Kura-Kura Special Economic Zone continues to be developed, more and more visitors are learning about this traditional yet innovative fishing community on the Denpasar coast.
Serangan Traditional Village have been working with PT Bali Turtle Island Development (BTID), has presented an innovative solution for managing plastic waste. The issue of waste management in Bali, especially within the Denpasar area, is no secret.
Yet, this forward-thinking and innovative community is working together to ensure that their environment is preserved for many more generations to come, as well as creating new ways to generate income for the area.
The Serangan Traditional Village has been supported by BTID and PT Nukari Kriya Raya to establish a project called Angen Bali, a plastic waste processing center where locally generated trash is not only recycled but given a second life. Speaking to reporters Angen Bali team member Gede Agastia, explained the concept “Angen was created to manage waste. We’re not against plastic use, but we’re here to provide a solution to this problem.”
He added “To all people, both in Bali and Indonesia, please sort your waste properly at home and when traveling. This way, we can all protect the environment.”
Every day, Angen Bali receives an average of 8 kilograms of plastic waste collected from around Serangan. Instead of ending up in landfills or being washed out to sea, the plastic is sorted, processed, and then transformed into creative products. From household items and interior decor to functional artwork, all of the products demonstrate that sustainability can go hand in hand with community empowerment.
Speaking to reporters Wayan Darmaja, the Community Relations Officer for PT Nukari Kriya Raya explained how the community is encouraged to participate in the program in new ways. “Previously, we used a barter system. BTID sponsored us to provide rice. The rice was exchanged for plastic waste brought in by the community. Now, we buy it from the community.”
Zakki Hakim, Head of Communications at BTID, told reporters “This collaboration isn’t just about waste management, but also about changing the way we view plastic. At Kura Kura Bali, we believe collaboration is key to creating a real impact on the environment and society.”
This is no quaint handmade recycling initiative. The products created by the community at Angen Bali are functional, innovative and incredibly stylish. From garden tables and chairs, to footstools, presentation podiums, phone and tablet holders, to tripods and easels, these designs are bold in colour and make a statement in any given space.
Similar initiatives to transform plastic waste into functional furniture are in effect across the island. Local NGO Sungai Watch recently launched Sungai Design, where products made from reclaimed plastic trash are available for sale.
Following the recent announcement that Bali’s largest open landfill Suwung TPA, will finally be closed following years of attempts, Sungai Watch shared updates on their work with local officials to create long term solutions to the island’s waste management issues.
Sungai Watch shared “After 40 years of operation, Bali’s largest landfill, Suwung, has officially stopped accepting organic waste as of August 1, 2025. From now on, only residual and non-organic waste will be sent there.”
They added “This decision marks a turning point. Bali can no longer rely on landfills as the final answer to waste. Communities must take more responsibility for managing their waste at the source.”
Noting “A few days ago, Made Rentin, Head of the Bali Forestry and Environmental Agency, visited our sorting station in Braban, Bali to discuss this urgent issue. He shared that Suwung is on track for a full closure by December 2025, while still temporarily accepting residual waste.
With communities like Serangan Island, already working with businesses and government agencies to tackle waste management on a local scale, there are increasing hopes that Bali is starting to build the momentum necessary to enact mass, island-wide changes in effective and long-lasting ways.
Serangan Island, also known as turtle island, is home to one of Bali’s biggest turtle conservation centres. The stunning marine creature is an icon of the community and the island as a tourist destination. There are hopes that as Seranagn continues to grow as a tourist destination, more resources can be generated to support the environment, marine life, and the local community.
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