Save the Waves launches petition for Environmental Assessment of Uluwatu cliff destruction

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Uluwatu, Bali, Indonesia 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. The Uluwatu area boasts multiple waves including The Racetrack, The Peak, Temples, Outside Corner, and The Bombie. The quality and consistency of the waves at Uluwatu attract surfers from all over the world. 

The marine 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. The road is the first phase of a project to reinforce the cliffs under the Pura Luhur Uluwatu Temple.

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 marine and surf ecosystem. To our knowledge and to that of our local partners, no Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) has been conducted for this proposed road project. Without such an assessment, it is impossible to gauge how Uluwatu’s biodiverse surf ecosystem might be affected.

The reefs at Uluwatu, which create world-class waves, also support a rich array of marine life, including dugongs (relatives of manatees), sea snakes, reef sharks, sea turtles, and a wide variety of reef fish species. There has even been an orca sighting in the area.

In addition to the environmental concerns, it’s important to assess if this project would have any impact on wave quality. The quality of the waves at Uluwatu attracts surfers from around the world. In a 2014 surfonomics study Save The Waves conducted with conservation partners, we found that over 240,000 surfers visit Uluwatu annually and contribute $35 million(USD) to the economy. Without an EIA the project's potential impact on the waves of Uluwatu would be unknown until after the project is completed.

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 we feel an EIA(AMDAL) should be completed and presented to the public so that the project's full environmental implications are known. 

Pertinent sections of Indonesian Law define what types of activities should be reviewed through the preparation of an EIA(AMDAL). According to Indonesian Law No. 32 of 2009 on Environmental Protection and Management Section 5 Article 23:

Read more – and sign the petition here