Megawati Soekarnoputri inspects Kuta Beach erosion in Bali

Megawati Soekarnoputri, the 5th President of Indonesia and Chair of the Advisory Board of the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN), has inspected coastal erosion at Kuta Beach in Badung, Bali. She highlighted that the erosion is a direct consequence of global climate change, specifically citing global warming and polar ice melt as significant threats to archipelagic nations like Indonesia.

Megawati emphasized that erosion management must be integrated and tailored to Indonesia’s unique geography as the world’s largest archipelago, rather than using approaches designed for continental landmasses. She urged government agencies and ministries to move past sectoral egos and prioritize science-based collaboration that respects local wisdom, such as the Tri Hita Karana philosophy.

Data from the Bali Provincial Government indicates that the shoreline at Kuta Beach is receding at a rate of approximately 1.9 meters per year, reducing the sandy areas available for tourists. Officials noted that approximately 85 kilometers of Bali’s coastline remain affected by erosion.