Bali's Coastal Erosion Accelerates, Threatening Vital Ecosystems and Communities

By IndraStra Global News Team

Cover Image Attribute: Kuta beach, Bali / Image by Peggy und Marco Lachmann-Anke from Pixabay

 A recent study has unveiled alarming findings regarding the rapid erosion of Bali's coastline, emphasizing significant environmental and socioeconomic repercussions for the Indonesian island. According to research published in the journal Regional Studies in Marine Science on May 29, a team of researchers from Indonesia, Japan, and Turkey documented a reduction in Bali's shoreline from 668.64 kilometers (415.47 miles) to 662.59 kilometers (411.71 miles) between 2016 and 2021. This erosion, averaging at -1.21 meters (3.97 feet) annually, is attributed to human activities and natural wave patterns.
Despite this loss, the study also noted a net land increase of 1.25 square kilometers (0.48 square miles) during the same period, primarily due to extensive land reclamation and infrastructure development. While contributing to economic growth and urban expansion, these efforts have simultaneously heightened environmental risks, compounding the challenges posed by rising sea levels.
Bali province is surrounded by the Bali Sea to the north, the Bali Strait to the west, the Lombok Strait to the east, and the Indian Ocean to the south. A mountain chain from west to east splits the island into northern and southern sections. The landscape, with volcanic alluvial deposits along most beaches and limestone formations in the south, has greatly impacted the development of the coastline, current coastal shapes, and the creation of mangrove-fringed beaches in places like Benoa Bay, Gilimanuk Bay, and northern Nusa Lembongan Island.
The implications of this coastal degradation are profound, posing immediate threats to Bali's ecosystems, critical infrastructure, and culturally significant communities. The island's coastal regions serve as pivotal economic hubs, driven by tourism and steeped in cultural heritage, underscoring the urgency for integrated coastal management strategies.
The study's lead researcher, Amandangi Wahyuning Hastuti from Yamaguchi University's Graduate School of Science and Technology for Innovation, highlighted the necessity for sustainable development practices that balance economic growth with environmental conservation. The findings indicate that Bali's southern coasts, including districts like Jembrana, Tabanan, and Badung, are particularly vulnerable to erosion, exacerbated by ongoing developmental pressures. Earlier, a 2022 research paper revealed that 22% of Bali’s coast is classified as highly vulnerable to climate change effects like erosion, flooding, and storms, including sea level rise. According to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), sea levels have increased by an average of 2.5 millimeters (0.09 inches) per year over the past 25 years.
This new research report also underscored the global context of coastal erosion, citing that 24% of the world's sandy beaches face erosion rates exceeding 0.5 meters (1.6 feet) annually. This phenomenon, coupled with inadequate coastal management and climate change impacts, amplifies the risk of coastal flooding and further shoreline retreat.
In response to these findings, experts advocate for targeted interventions safeguarding Bali's coastal ecosystems and infrastructure while ensuring sustainable economic development. The study's recommendations include carefully considering coastal engineering solutions that mitigate erosion without compromising environmental integrity.
As Bali navigates these challenges, this study provides a robust framework for assessing coastal vulnerability in Bali Province, integrating multiple environmental parameters to effectively delineate risk zones. While acknowledging the methodological strengths of the CVI approach, the study calls for further integration of socio-economic factors and local community perspectives to enhance resilience planning. This comprehensive analysis highlights current vulnerabilities and is a pivotal tool for sustainable coastal management and climate adaptation strategies in Bali and beyond.

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