Bali, Indonesia - As you might have heard by now, the surf ecosystem of Uluwatu is currently threatened by the construction of a service access road and seawall along the base of the cliffs south of the main surf breaks of Uluwatu. The road is funded by the Badung Regency government and is the first phase of a project to reinforce the cliffs under the Pura Luhur Uluwatu Temple. This project has been moving forward without any public release of an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA).

It is concerning that this project is advancing without appropriate analysis and public transparency regarding the potential risks to the environment and the surf, especially in such a sensitive and biodiverse area. That is why an EIA needs to be completed and presented to the public so that the project's full environmental implications are known. Furthermore, we believe this project requires an EIA under Indonesian Law No. 32 of 2009 on Environmental Protection and Management Section 5 Article 23.

Last month, Save The Waves started an online petition calling for transparency and a complete environmental review of the proposed Uluwatu Seawall Project in accordance with Indonesian law.

Uluwatu is a uniquely magical place where world-class waves, a biodiverse marine ecosystem, and modern and ancient cultures all combine along towering limestone cliffs that overlook the Indian Ocean. Save The Waves acknowledges the spiritual, cultural, and economic significance of the Pura Luhur Uluwatu Temple to the Balinese people. This ancient Hindu temple has stood for over a thousand years, drawing thousands of visitors daily. Its protection and preservation are aligned with the values of all communities that steward their cultural resources for future generations. However, like many others throughout Bali and around the world, we are alarmed by the potential environmental risks this project poses to the surrounding surf ecosystem.

This project threatens to permanently damage biodiversity in the area. The marine ecosystem below the Temple is home to dugongs (relatives of manatees), sea snakes, reef sharks, sea turtles, and a wide variety of reef fish species. In addition to negatively impacting biodiversity in the area, the project could impact wave the quality at nearby surf spots depending on how far out into the lineup the seawall is constructed.
 

"The Bali Attorney General’s Office, known locally as Kejagung, has called in for inquiry a number of officials at the Badung Regency Government Office and at the Badung Regency Building and Public Works Agency (PUPR) to comprehensively assess whether construction permit and license violations have taken place." - The Bali Sun
 

Our key takeaway: Save The Waves believes the AG's investigation is a positive sign but construction has continued without an Environmental Impact Assessment. We will continue to ask for an EIA as this investigation unfolds.