The Governor of Bali, I Wayan Koster, stated that the majority of the trash polluting the island's beaches is brought by currents from neighboring East Java. Some of the waste, he mentioned, drifts in from more distant islands — Sumatra, Kalimantan, and Sulawesi.
“Every year during the heavy rain season, Bali is polluted not only by its own trash but also by waste from other regions. This is an annual cycle, especially from December to February,” Koster said. In the rainy season, ocean currents carry trash to the southern coast, where it accumulates on the shore.
The governor announced this at Kuta Beach (Badung) during an inspection of the readiness of public services for waste cleanup — the first event aimed at preventing the seasonal influx of waste. "Kuta Beach is a showcase of Balinese tourism. We cannot allow it to be spoiled by piles of trash," he emphasized.
Koster instructed the Badung administration to prepare equipment and personnel for constant patrols along the 20-kilometer coastal zone most prone to pollution. "Trash needs to be removed immediately, without waiting for it to accumulate too much. This way, the beaches will remain clean," he added. According to the governor, cleanups were previously conducted upon request — after complaints from tourists and locals; now the authorities are moving to preventive measures to maintain Bali's reputation as a clean and well-kept destination.
Minister of Environmental Protection Hanif Faisol Nurofiq noted that in 2024–2025, the volume of waste washed ashore could exceed past levels due to population growth and environmentally irresponsible practices. According to him, some of the waste arrives not only from other Indonesian islands but also from abroad, although specific countries and reasons are not specified.
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