ASIATODAY.ID, DENPASAR — Indonesia’s Coordinating Minister for Infrastructure and Regional Development, Agus Harimurti Yudhoyono (AHY), led an environmental movement in Bali through a beach clean-up and mangrove planting event at Batu Lumbang on Monday, October 13, 2025.
The initiative was held in collaboration with The Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) of Germany under the framework of the Green Infrastructure Initiative (GII).
According to Minister AHY, the activity represents not just a ceremonial event, but a moral movement and real action to preserve Bali as a world heritage site and a global tourism icon.
“Today we are not merely holding an event — this is a moral action. Let’s make this movement a call to our conscience to care for the environment,” said AHY.
Beach Clean-Up and Mangrove Planting Movement
During the activity, Minister AHY personally joined local residents, the Governor of Bali, and GIZ representatives in planting mangroves and collecting waste along the coastline.
He emphasized the importance of balancing economic growth and environmental sustainability as the foundation of national development.
“We cannot just talk — we must act. This reflects the government’s commitment to achieving sustainable development,” AHY stated.
AHY also highlighted the strategic role of mangrove ecosystems as natural coastal barriers capable of absorbing up to ten times more carbon than terrestrial plants, while also preventing coastal erosion.
“Mangroves are a nature-based solution to protect our planet and coastal areas,” he explained.
He further underlined that sustainable spatial planning must be the guiding principle of development to prevent future ecological disasters.
Regional Commitment and International Support
Bali Governor I Wayan Koster expressed appreciation for the central government’s support and reaffirmed the province’s commitment to maintaining the island’s beauty and cleanliness.
“Bali faces challenges of pollution and waste. Therefore, we are strengthening waste management and the preservation of mangroves, which cover an area of around 1,100 hectares,” said Koster.
Meanwhile, GIZ Indonesia Country Director Thomas Forcher emphasized that Indonesia is not alone in its mission to protect the planet.
“The environment is the most precious gift from God. For fifty years, GIZ has partnered with Indonesia, and we are proud to continue contributing to this effort,” he said.
The Green Infrastructure Initiative (GII), a joint program between Indonesia’s Coordinating Ministry for Infrastructure and GIZ, also includes youth awareness campaigns and composting training across various regions to cultivate environmental consciousness among younger generations.
Protecting Kuta Beach from Erosion: Government Builds Five Breakwaters
As part of his working visit to Bali, Minister AHY also inspected the Kuta–Legian–Seminyak Beach Conservation Project, part of the Bali Beach Conservation Project Phase II.
The project involves constructing five breakwater units along 5.3 kilometers of coastline to protect Bali’s shores from erosion.
“Building infrastructure is not only about driving the economy, but also about preserving Bali’s natural environment — the heart of Indonesia’s tourism,” AHY stated.
The project, valued at approximately Rp260 billion, is financed through a JICA loan and implemented by PT Adhi Karya. As of now, construction progress has reached 18 percent, with completion targeted by the end of next year.
Beyond erosion control, the initiative is expected to enhance Bali’s tourism appeal, improve visitor comfort, and boost the local economy.
AHY Promotes Collaboration for a Greener, Sustainable Bali
The Coordinating Ministry for Infrastructure remains committed to expanding coastal ecosystem protection, sustainable spatial planning, and green infrastructure development across Bali and other tourism regions in Indonesia.
“Bali does not belong only to the Balinese people — it is a pride of the Indonesian nation. Protecting Bali means protecting our shared future,” AHY concluded. (AT Network)
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