Plastic waste and various household trash clutter the shores of Bangsring Underwater Beach in Banyuwangi. The scattered debris, believed to originate from coral reef cultivation activities around Bangsring Beach, Wongsorejo, and Tabuhan Island, floats and spills into the sea. This unsightly scene comes at a time when the Indonesian Ministry of Tourism is actively promoting a Clean Tourism Movement.
Several visitors have voiced their disappointment. Dwi Nur Hayati from Surabaya expressed surprise, especially since Banyuwangi is renowned for its beautiful beaches and rich seafood cuisine. “I was expecting to see a pristine, beautiful beach, but as soon as I arrived and parked, I was greeted by piles of trash,” she shared.
Similarly, Mei Jia Lian, a tourist from Tianjin, China, who recently enjoyed seafood at the iconic Lobster Village restaurant, praised Banyuwangi’s natural beauty and flavors reminiscent of her homeland. Yet, she was disturbed by the nearby garbage pile. “While waiting for our food, we strolled along the beach. The sand was beautiful, but the trash wasn’t. There was an unpleasant smell and mosquitoes near the lovely huts,” Mei explained in English.
Mei plans to return next holiday season with her school group and hopes the beach will be cleaner. This isn’t her first visit; she recalled no such waste issues during her previous trip last year. “I’ve eaten here before without seeing this mess. I hope it’s all cleaned up by next year,” she added.
Meanwhile, workers were busy installing iron and wire frames used to grow coral plants at Tabuhan Island. One team member, speaking anonymously, revealed that these coral cultivation media are prepared daily, with some coral destined for export and others for local sale.
The management of Lobster Village restaurant declined to comment on the waste issue, distancing themselves from responsibility.
This situation contrasts sharply with the Clean Tourism Movement recently launched by the Ministry of Tourism and Banyuwangi Regency, which serves as a pilot project. The initiative targets all local tourism spots, emphasizing cleanliness as a key indicator in government contributions and travel and tourism development indices.
Banyuwangi stands out as the sole region in East Java among 16 nationwide pilot areas for this program. “This Clean Tourism Movement isn’t just a government program—it’s a collective effort. In Banyuwangi, all stakeholders are already engaged, setting a positive example for other regions to follow,” said Hariyanto, Deputy for Destination Development and Infrastructure at the Ministry of Tourism.
Banyuwangi Regent Ipuk Fiestiandani stressed consistent directives to maintain cleanliness across all tourist destinations but acknowledged that ongoing education is crucial. “Raising awareness among locals and visitors is vital. This movement is a milestone not only for Banyuwangi but also for its guests,” she emphasized.
Ipuk also called for new innovations and collective discipline in waste management. “People generate waste, and tourism produces waste. New strategies require collaboration among all parties. Banyuwangi, with its many natural attractions, must protect cleanliness and ecosystems to offer memorable experiences and maintain tourism value,” she concluded.
