Badung, Bali. The Badung Regency government has allocated Rp250 billion ($15 million) from its regional budget to address worsening coastal erosion along Kuta Beach, one of Bali’s most famous tourist destinations.

Badung Regent I Wayan Adi Arnawa announced the funding during a beach clean-up activity in the area, saying the allocation reflects the administration’s commitment to protecting the iconic shoreline.

Adi Arnawa said the government has taken several steps to tackle the erosion, including installing breakwaters to reduce wave impact and prevent further shoreline degradation.

“We have taken several measures to address the erosion, including installing breakwaters to reduce wave impact. This year, we have also allocated Rp250 billion from the regional budget as a commitment to preserve Kuta Beach,” he said on Thursday.

Kuta Beach has been experiencing severe coastal erosion for several years, with the shoreline retreating by dozens of meters due to strong ocean waves. Authorities have also built rock barriers in several sections to slow the loss of sand and limit the spread of erosion.

The worsening condition of the beach has drawn attention on social media, where international tourists have shared images showing how the shoreline has changed compared with previous years.

Local officials say the budget allocation is aimed at addressing the long-standing erosion problem while preserving one of Bali’s most recognizable tourism icons.

However, the deteriorating condition of the beach is already affecting residents whose livelihoods depend on tourism.

Muhammad April Firmansyah, a surfboard rental provider at Kuta Beach, said his income has dropped sharply as fewer foreign tourists visit the area.

He believes changes in wave patterns following the expansion of Ngurah Rai International Airport and the construction of coastal barriers may have contributed to the erosion by redirecting waves toward the Kuta shoreline.

April said tourists are increasingly shifting to nearby destinations such as Legian Beach, which has had a direct impact on his business.

“Back then we could earn millions of rupiah a day. Now it’s only enough to cover daily meals,” he said.

He hopes the government will soon take concrete measures to restore the beach so it can once again attract visitors.