Indonesian readings / Intermediate 1 / Environment & Nature

Plastic Pollution in Bali

Pencemaran Plastik di Bali

Bali dikenal sebagai pulau wisata yang indah, dengan pantai berpasir putih, sawah hijau, dan budaya yang kaya. Namun, di balik pemandangan itu, ada masalah yang terus tumbuh: pencemaran plastik. Setiap hari, penduduk lokal dan wisatawan menggunakan botol air, kantong belanja, dan kemasan makanan sekali pakai. Banyak barang plastik itu berakhir di jalan, di selokan, atau langsung di pantai. Angin dan air pasang kemudian mendorong sampah itu ke laut yang biru. Masalah ini tidak muncul begitu saja. Di pasar yang ramai, penjual membungkus buah, sayuran, dan lauk dengan plastik tipis. Di kafe dan bar tepi pantai, sedotan plastik masih diberikan, terutama saat tempat sedang sibuk. Saat musim hujan, sungai membawa sampah dari hulu ke muara, lalu terbawa arus ke pantai populer. Banyak pengunjung terkejut ketika melihat tumpukan plastik di pasir, sementara nelayan dan pekerja hotel merasa sedih dan lelah membersihkan area kerja mereka. Dampak plastik terasa di laut dan di darat. Penyu, ikan, dan burung laut dapat salah makan karena mengira plastik adalah ubur ubur atau potongan makanan. Terumbu karang bisa tertutup kantong dan tali, sehingga sulit bernapas dan tumbuh. Nelayan mengeluh jaring mereka sering tersangkut pada sampah. Di desa, sebagian orang masih membakar plastik untuk mengurangi volume, padahal asapnya berbahaya bagi paru paru dan kulit. Anak anak juga bermain dekat tumpukan sampah, sehingga risiko kesehatan meningkat. Walau begitu, banyak langkah baik sedang dilakukan. Pemerintah daerah mendorong larangan plastik sekali pakai dan kampanye bawa tas sendiri. Sekolah mengadakan hari bersih pantai, dan komunitas membuat bank sampah untuk menukar plastik dengan uang atau kebutuhan rumah. Beberapa kafe memasang galon isi ulang dan meminjamkan botol, sedangkan hotel mengurangi amenitas kecil. Wisatawan diminta membawa botol, tempat makan, dan sedotan yang dapat dipakai ulang. Seniman lokal membuat patung dari sampah, agar orang berpikir ulang. Dengan kerja sama, Bali bisa terus indah dan laut tetap hidup bersih.

English Translation

Bali is known as a beautiful tourist island, with white sandy beaches, green rice fields, and rich culture. However, behind that scenery, there is a growing problem: plastic pollution. Every day, local residents and tourists use water bottles, shopping bags, and single-use food packaging. Many of those plastic items end up on the street, in drains, or directly on the beach. The wind and the tide then push the trash into the blue sea. This problem did not appear out of nowhere. In busy markets, sellers wrap fruit, vegetables, and side dishes with thin plastic. In cafes and beach bars, plastic straws are still given, especially when places are busy. During the rainy season, rivers carry trash from upstream to the estuary, then the currents take it to popular beaches. Many visitors are surprised when they see piles of plastic on the sand, while fishers and hotel workers feel sad and tired cleaning their work areas. The impact of plastic is felt in the sea and on land. Turtles, fish, and seabirds can eat the wrong things because they think plastic is jellyfish or pieces of food. Coral reefs can be covered by bags and ropes, making it hard to breathe and grow. Fishers complain their nets are often caught on trash. In villages, some people still burn plastic to reduce volume, even though the smoke is dangerous for lungs and skin. Children also play near piles of trash, so health risks increase. Even so, many good steps are being taken. Local government promotes a ban on single-use plastic and a bring-your-own-bag campaign. Schools hold beach clean-up days, and communities create waste banks to exchange plastic for money or household needs. Some cafes install refill gallons and lend bottles, while hotels reduce small amenities. Tourists are asked to bring bottles, food containers, and straws that can be reused. Local artists make sculptures from trash to make people think again. With cooperation, Bali can remain beautiful and the sea stay alive and clean.