Bali Plastic Wave: 25,000 kgs of Trash Collected at Pantai Kendonganan
Jimbaran, Bali - January 2, 2025
Over the past ten days, Bali has witnessed yet another catastrophic wave of plastic pollution washing ashore at Pantai Kendonganan, Jimbaran. Sungai Watch, a leading environmental organization, alongside hundreds of volunteers, has worked tirelessly to collect over 25,000 kilograms of plastic waste. This massive cleanup effort is part of an urgent response to prevent further environmental damage as tides threaten to carry the waste back into the ocean.
Among the debris, two live sea turtles were found trapped beneath layers of plastic, underscoring the devastating impact of marine pollution on wildlife. The collected waste predominantly consists of single-use plastic cups and sachets, many bearing the names of brands from Javanese cities, suggesting that the trash may have originated from Java. This annual wave of plastic pollution has progressively worsened, raising serious concerns about marine ecosystems and coastal communities.
"Ini bukan sekadar masalah lokal; ini krisis yang berdampak pada seluruh Indonesia," kata Gary Bencheghib, salah satu pendiri Sungai Watch. "Skala pencemaran ini sangat besar, dan butuh tindakan segera dari individu, bisnis, dan pemerintah untuk mengatasi akar penyebab sampah plastik."
Call to Action
This weekend, Sungai Watch is rallying hundreds of volunteers for a final large-scale cleanup effort before rising tides threaten to disperse the plastics back into the ocean. The organization is also calling on the Indonesian government to relocate the upcoming Aksi Bersih Sampah Laut event, scheduled for Saturday, January 4th, 2025, at 7:00 AM, from Pantai Kuta to Pantai Kendonganan, where the crisis is most critical.
"Pantai Kendonganan needs urgent attention," Bencheghib added. "Hosting the national cleanup event here would send a powerful message about tackling marine plastic pollution where it is most visible and impactful."
A Yearly Alarm
This phenomenon is a recurring reminder of the environmental challenges Bali faces due to insufficient waste management systems and the unchecked use of single-use plastics. Sungai Watch's efforts aim not only to clean up the current crisis but also to inspire systemic change by auditing and sorting the collected plastics to identify patterns and advocate for sustainable solutions.
Sungai Watch invites the public, local businesses, and policymakers to join the cleanup effort and take action toward a future free from plastic pollution.
Event Details
What: Emergency Cleanup at Pantai Kendonganan
When: Saturday, January 4th, 2025, 7:00 AM
Where: Pantai Kendonganan, Jimbaran, Bali
Dear all volunteers, Happy New Year 2025 from Sungai Watch! 🎉
As we welcome 2025 with hope and determination, it’s a perfect time to reflect on challenge that we currently face: the plastic pollution in Bali. Plastic waste continues to threaten our rivers, oceans, and communities. Every year, tons of plastic find their way into Bali’s waterways.
We invite you to join us for a cleanup, to continue the mission:
📅 Date:
- Saturday, 4th January 2025
7 AM - 12 PM - Sunday, 5th January 2025
Shift 1: 7 AM - 11 AM
Shift 2: 2 PM - 5 PM
📍 Meeting Point: Ganesha Cafe / Pantai Kedonganan
https://maps.app.goo.gl/Uyi4jPkgiJiLGgXh7
Thank you for taking an important part in the community and let’s begin the year by showing our love for Bali 🌊
Please kindly register here:
https://sungai-watch.bookinglayer.com/en/product/cleanup-registration
For media inquiries or to volunteer, please contact:
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Phone: +62 812-1567-1828
Together, we can protect Bali's beaches, marine life, and future.