Leaders in charge of some of Bali’s most popular tourist beaches have acknowledged that significant improvements are needed.
The situation at Kuta Beach has been described by some as ‘increasingly dire’, and leaders are keen to ensure that sustainable solutions can be implemented as quickly as possible.
The Regent of Badung, Adi Arnawa, has spoken to reporters about the state of Kuta Beach. He and his teams are now on a mission to revitalise the world-famous beach for the benefit of both locals and tourists, and for the sake of the environment too.
Kuta Beach has long been one of the most famous coastal resorts in Bali and has been hugely affected by coastal abrasion. This, in addition to seasonal tides of plastic waste, as well as recent storm damage to sidewalks in the area, is seeing the appeal for travel in Kuta starting to wane.
Regent Arnawa told reporters that Kuta must be improved, or else it runs the risk of becoming a second-rate destination as hotspots like Sanur continue to be reinvented and redeveloped to keep up with the times.
He shared, “I am sorry, but we have to be honest. Hotel occupancy in Sanur is currently good because tourists are comfortable. Kuta isn’t much different, though. If Kuta can be properly managed, I’m sure it can surpass Sanur.”
Kuta was once Bali’s busiest tourism resort, but as travel trends have changed, the area has slipped down the preference list, especially for those returning tourists to the island. Many have noted that despite efforts, certain pockets of the resort feel rundown, and that crime rates are a concern for many.
With his focus on the beachfront first and foremost, Regent Arnawa wants to see the coastal hotspot restored to its former glory. Beach conservation efforts have been in play for years, and now the Regent wants to see the work levelled up once again through collaborations between the government, community, business leaders, and NGOs.
Regent Arnawa shared, “The government has really begun to take action. This year, the River Basin Office has added sand to widen the beach boundaries as an initial step to mitigate abrasion.”
He confirmed that plans from the Badung Regency Government to expand the conservation development work will be honoured into 2026 and beyond.
The Regent noted that sand refilling will be protested and that there will be a pedestrian path built from Tuban all the way through to Pererenan in Canggu.
Regent Arnawa was also clear that he and his teams would crack down on beach vendors who hassle tourists. While daily wage workers and beach vendors are part of the charm of Kuta Beach, Regent Arnawa is concerned that the cheeky enthusiasm of some of the vendors can easily flip into belligerence.
He told reporters, “We understand that people need a livelihood, but that doesn’t mean that they can exploit public spaces as they please. If [public spaces] are left slum-like, tourists will be reluctant to come, and as a result the local economy suffers.”
He added, “The government is committed to supporting the Kuta development program. However, success can only be achieved if all parties work together.” He acknowledged that Badung Regency and the province as a whole are economically dependent on tourism, noting, “We are very dependent on the tourism sector. Without tourism, our program might not even work. Where would we find the funding?
While his focus is on Kuta, he will not overlook other top destinations in the regency, including Canggu, Seminyak, and Legian.
Regent Arnawa and teams will have something of an uphill battle in the coming months as the rainy season famously brings with it tides of ocean debris to the shores of Badung Regency.
The worst-affected areas are typically Jimbaran and Kuta, though Legian, Seminyak, and Canggu are also often affected. During the rainy season, the Badung Regency Government places beach cleanup teams on standby, ready to respond to tidal trash as quickly as possible using both manpower and heavy machinery to clear beaches, ready for tourists to enjoy their vacations.
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