Nusa Penida Clean-Up Action Unites Youth and Partners to Protect Marine Ecosystems

More than 200 participants from schools, local communities, tourism stakeholders, government agencies, dive operators, and environmental organizations came together in Nusa Penida for a large-scale marine conservation initiative held in celebration of World Ocean Day titled From Shore to Sea: Nusa Penida Clean-Up Action on Saturday, June 6, 2026. The event was organized by the Coral Triangle Center (CTC) and 4ocean Foundation, supported by the Australian Consulate-General Bali and Mission Blue, and formed part of the nationwide World Ocean Day and Coral Triangle Day celebrations coordinated by Indonesia’s Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries (MMAF) and partners.

Taking place within the Nusa Penida Marine Protected Area (MPA), the initiative responded to the growing challenge of marine debris affecting coastal and marine ecosystems. While Nusa Penida is internationally recognized for its rich marine biodiversity, plastic waste and other debris continue to accumulate along coastlines and in marine habitats, particularly during the west monsoon season. The event sought to address these challenges through direct action while strengthening public awareness of responsible waste management and ocean stewardship.

Opening the event, Australian Consul-General in Bali, Jo Stevens highlighted the importance of shared responsibility in protecting marine ecosystems between neighboring countries. “Australia and Indonesia share an ocean, and with that comes a shared responsibility to care for it. Activities like this remind us that protecting our seas requires collective action—from reducing waste at its source to ensuring it never reaches the ocean,” she said. Stevens also noted the significance of Nusa Penida as a globally recognized marine tourism destination and reaffirmed Australia’s commitment to supporting marine conservation efforts.

Unlike conventional clean-up activities, the initiative adopted an integrated approach spanning three interconnected ecosystems—from shorelines to open waters and underwater habitats. More than 100 youth participants joined beach clean-up activities alongside community members and tourism stakeholders, collecting and sorting waste from coastal areas. At sea, the 4ocean Foundation team deployed multiple boats to conduct surface marine debris collection, targeting floating waste that often escapes coastal clean-up efforts. The initiative also included an underwater clean-up involving 22 divers from Nusa Penida dive operators and local diving communities, who removed debris from reef and seabed areas that are critical habitats for marine life.

According to CTC Executive Director Rili Djohani, the importance of the initiative extends far beyond waste collection. “Nusa Penida is part of the Coral Triangle and has been recognized as a Mission Blue Hope Spot due to its extraordinary marine biodiversity and global significance. What happens in Nusa Penida does not only affect Bali or Indonesia—it affects the health of our oceans globally. Today’s activity is not simply a clean-up effort; it is a coordinated action that connects coastal, marine, and underwater conservation with education and community engagement,” she said.

The event also placed a strong emphasis on increasing awareness about the impacts of plastic pollution. Following the clean-up activities, participants joined an interactive learning session focused on marine plastic pollution, proper waste segregation practices, and the importance of protecting interconnected ecosystems such as mangroves, seagrass meadows, and coral reefs. The session encouraged 117 students to become ambassadors for ocean conservation within their schools and communities, while also equipping them with practical knowledge on responsible waste management.

For 4ocean Foundation Director of Operations for Bali, Andi Rachmansyah, the collaboration demonstrates the value of combining technical expertise with community action. “Marine debris is a challenge that extends beyond coastlines and administrative boundaries. Through this collaboration, we are connecting clean-up efforts from the shoreline, the sea surface, and underwater habitats while ensuring that collected waste is properly handled. By working together with local communities, youth groups, government agencies, and conservation partners, we can create a greater and longer-lasting impact for the ocean,” he said.

Through the combined beach, marine surface, and underwater clean-up efforts, participants successfully collected approximately 155.47 kgs of marine debris. The waste consisted primarily of single-use plastic packaging, plastic bottles, food wrappers, plastic bags, fishing-related debris, and other mixed waste commonly found in coastal and marine environments. The collected materials were sorted to support proper waste management and further processing.

A key highlight of the event was the signing of the Commitment to Care for Our Oceans, facilitated by MMAF together with partners and participating stakeholders. Through the declaration, government representatives, community groups, youth participants, tourism actors, and conservation organizations reaffirmed their commitment to reducing single-use plastics, improving waste management practices, and contributing to healthier marine ecosystems across Indonesia.

Director of Coastal and Small Islands (P3K), Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries, Dr. Ahmad Aris, emphasized that protecting Indonesia’s oceans requires collective responsibility and action from all sectors. “This declaration reflects our shared commitment to reducing plastic pollution and promoting responsible waste management practices. Meaningful change can only happen when the government, communities, educational institutions, businesses, and conservation organizations work together to protect our oceans and secure a healthier future for generations to come,” he said.

The initiative is expected to contribute to cleaner coastal and marine environments in Nusa Penida MPA while generating valuable data and lessons for future marine debris management efforts. More importantly, it demonstrated how collaboration among government agencies, local communities, youth groups, conservation organizations, the private sector, and international partners can transform concern for ocean health into meaningful action.

As Indonesia marks World Ocean Day and Coral Triangle Day across the country, the From Shore to Sea: Nusa Penida Clean-Up Action serves as a reminder that protecting marine ecosystems requires coordinated efforts from the shoreline to the sea floor—and that every individual has a role to play in safeguarding the ocean for future generations.

Writer: Asia Salsabilla
Photos: Adam Putra/CTC, Sonja Kleinertz/CTC, 4Ocean Foundation