Government is spending US$43 million to stem shoreline erosion in Bali. Tempo Interaktif estimates that as much as 25% of Bali’s shorelines have suffered significant erosion caused by sea waves. Of the total shorelines abraded by high waves, the government of Bali has only been able to take remedial steps on 53% of the affected beaches.

The Minister for Public Works, Djoko Kirmanto, estimates not less than Rp. 400 billion (US$43.01 million) is needed to build shore defenses for Sanur, Nusa Dua and Padang Galak. “In Sanur Rp. 116 billion (US$12.47 million), Nusa Dua Rp. 142 billion (US$15.27 million) and Padang Galak Rp. 152 billion (US$16.34 million) are needed,” said the Minister in his address at the inauguration of the Denpasar Sewerage Project in Suwung, Denpasar on Saturday, June 14, 2008.

The District head for the Department of Public Works in Bali, I Nyoman Ray Yusha, admitted that the government is only able to repair 53% of the eroded shorelines. “From 91 kilometers, only 50 kilometers (have been repaired),” said Yusha.

Repairs on eroded shorelines include sand filling and breakwater construction. In addition, Yusha continued, the government is also undertaking the construction of artificial reefs at Kuta, Sanur, Nusa Dua and Tanah Lot. The beaches currently undergoing rehabilitation are at Kuta, Buleleng, Klungkung and Padang Galak.

The total amount of funds spent to date by the government to address eroding shorelines equals Rp. 900 billion (US$96.8 million). According to Nyoman, the government has allocated an additional Rp. 200 billion (US$21.5 million) to address Bali’s continuing erosion problems combined with funds from the Central Government, provincial sources and loans.

News by Bali Discovery Tours – balidiscovery.com