KUTA, Bali — Kuta Beach is facing increasing pressure from coastal erosion as authorities work to protect one of Bali’s best-known tourism areas, while officials say around 30 percent of the island’s coastline has already been affected by erosion.
Government officials inspected the condition of Kuta Beach over the weekend as attention turned to damage caused by waves and the continuing retreat of the shoreline.
According to Triono Junoasmono, an expert staff member at Indonesia’s Ministry of Public Works, around 30 percent of Bali’s coastline — which stretches for more than 1,300 kilometres — has been affected by erosion.
He said authorities still have around 85 kilometres of coastline requiring further intervention.
“From the 30 percent of Bali’s more than 1,300 kilometres of coastline affected by erosion, we still have around 85 kilometres that need to be addressed,” Triono said.
Kuta is among the areas receiving particular attention.
Recent reports estimate that the shoreline at Kuta Beach is retreating by around 1.9 metres per year, contributing to the loss of beach area and damage to public infrastructure, including pedestrian paths and retaining structures.
Authorities are continuing coastal protection work in the area, including the construction of breakwaters in the southern section of Kuta Beach.
The structures are intended to reduce wave energy and limit further erosion along the shoreline.
Triono said Bali’s beaches should be regarded as strategic assets not only for tourism but also for the wider local economy.
Badung authorities have also carried out beach maintenance and sand management in Kuta.
Earlier this year, the Badung Public Works and Spatial Planning Agency deployed heavy equipment to redistribute existing sand in areas affected by erosion, including sections near Beachwalk and south of the Hard Rock area.
Officials said the work was intended to maintain beach width, repair affected pedestrian areas and improve conditions for visitors.
The broader condition of Bali’s coastline has prompted calls for stronger coordination between central and regional governments, research institutions and other agencies involved in coastal protection.
Former president and BRIN Steering Committee chair Megawati Soekarnoputri, who inspected Kuta Beach on October 11 alongside Bali Governor Wayan Koster and other officials, called for a more integrated approach to tackling erosion and the effects of climate change.
Government officials said protection measures in Kuta would continue as part of wider efforts to address vulnerable sections of Bali’s coastline.
With beaches forming a major part of Bali’s tourism economy, authorities say protecting coastal areas will require both infrastructure and long-term planning as erosion continues to affect parts of the island.
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