Bali Deploys $65,000 Beach-Cleaning Robot to Tackle Persistent Trash Problem
Bali, Indonesia — Renowned for its stunning white sandy beaches and lush natural landscapes, Bali has long battled a sprawling waste crisis that mars the pristine image many tourists expect. The influx of plastic and garbage washing ashore from October through March continues to plague the island’s popular beaches such as Kuta, Seminyak, Legian, and Jimbaran. This seasonal problem, exacerbated by strong winds, high tides, and heavy rains, brings debris from shipping vessels and nearby waters onto the shores, challenging local waste management efforts.
In a bid to modernize and boost cleanup operations, Bali recently introduced an innovative, solar-powered beach-cleaning robot valued at approximately $65,000 USD. The BeBot Smart Beach Cleaning Robot, now deployed at FINNS Beach Club in Canggu, represents a high-tech approach to restoring the island’s beaches to their former glory.
Local authorities and stakeholders gathered to officially launch the robot’s deployment, with Deputy Regent of Badung, Alit Sucipta, expressing optimism about the potential impact of such technology. “This robot can be used, but with an even larger capacity, so we can provide it to each traditional village in coastal areas,” he said, highlighting plans to expand the use of similar machines.
Currently, the robot operates for about 2.5 hours daily and has successfully cleaned stretches of up to 180 meters along Berawa Beach and Perancak Beach. While its initial performance is promising, Deputy Regent Sucipta noted that enhancements in capacity and waste collection types are necessary to maximize its effectiveness.
Wayan Asrama, Director of PT Pantai Semara Nusantara, which manages FINNS Beach Club, shared encouraging figures on waste reduction, stating, “Since this step began, we have succeeded in reducing the waste disposed of in landfills from 80 percent to 20 percent based on last year’s audit. Our goal by the end of 2025 is to reduce landfill waste to just 5 percent.”
The introduction of the BeBot robot comes alongside broader efforts to manage Bali’s waste challenges. In recent developments, the Bali Provincial Government confirmed the closure of Suwung TPA, the island’s largest open landfill. Environmental NGOs such as Mudfish No Plastic and Sungai Watch actively work to combat illegal dumping and marine plastic pollution while promoting recycling and waste repurposing initiatives.
Sungai Watch, a non-profit organization dedicated to protecting Indonesia’s waterways, reported significant achievements since 2020, including the collection of over 2.7 million kilograms of waste, more than 1,600 clean-ups, and the installation of 330 trash barriers. The group’s efforts complement technological initiatives like the beach-cleaning robot to address Bali’s urgent environmental concerns.
As Bali continues to attract visitors worldwide, the combination of advanced technology and community initiatives reflects an evolving strategy to preserve the island’s natural beauty and ensure sustainable tourism. Authorities hope that the success of the BeBot robot will inspire other businesses and coastal communities to adopt similar solutions in the fight against the island’s persistent waste problem.
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