Bali’s sun-drenched beaches are the lifeblood of the island, vital not only to local fisheries and the economy but also to global tourism. However, this paradise is facing an invisible crisis. Sekeh Beach, a popular destination brimming with attractions and a vital fishing ground for locals, is now a growing cause for concern due to the massive accumulation of non-biodegradable waste. This presents a stark and heartbreaking contrast: luxury hotels, resorts, and high-end restaurants line the shore, yet the beach itself remains neglected and filthy.
Refusing to stand idly by, the Bali WISE students Intake 65 took the initiative to bring about change. On June 12, 2026, they proudly participated in a beach cleanup at Sekeh Beach organized by the Zero Waste Center (ZWC) of the R.O.L.E. Foundation. Their mission was clear: to play an active and direct role in protecting the cleanliness and sustainability of Bali’s precious coastal environment.
Confronting the Reality and Taking Action
The day began at the crack of dawn. At 6:00 a.m., accompanied by staff, the Bali WISE students set off by bus and arrived at Sekeh Beach at 7:00 a.m. There, they joined staff from the R.O.L.E. Foundation and volunteers. Along the way to the trash collection site, the contrast in the scenery was striking. Luxurious resort buildings towered right next to the shoreline, which was littered with inorganic waste.
Far from being discouraged, the team was even more motivated. They listened carefully to the safety briefing, put on protective gloves, grabbed trash bags, and immediately sprang into action with extraordinary enthusiasm. Little by little, they cleaned up the shoreline. The trash they found was incredibly diverse and alarming, ranging from plastic-wrapped aluminum foil and plastic bottles to bags, glass bottles, Styrofoam, and even used clothing. After three hours of hard, intensive work under the scorching morning sun, the results were truly astonishing: the team managed to collect and weigh over 800 kilograms of trash.
From Cleanup to Conservation through Waste Sorting
After the collection process was complete, the students of Intake 65 headed to the ZeroWaste Center to begin the next crucial step of waste sorting. Guided by ZWC environmental experts, the students worked deftly and skillfully, categorizing the massive amount of collected waste into different types so it could be properly recycled and disposed of.
A healthy marine ecosystem is vital to every sector in Bali, ecologically, economically, and for tourism. These sectors can only thrive if our oceans remain clean. This event reflects Bali WISE’s ongoing and consistent efforts. By providing hands-on environmental education, the organization ensures that these students become frontline environmental stewards. Upon graduation, they will return to their respective communities not only as professionals in the hospitality and digital marketing fields, but also as environmental advocates. Participating in initiatives like this not only reduces waste in the short term, but it also fosters consistent, lifelong habits that will protect the environment for future generations.
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