The beaches of Bali invaded by syringes and medical waste upset tourists: “Never seen nothing like that”

Legian, Kuta, Seminyak: names that evoke Paradisiacal beachespostcard sunsets and unforgettable holidays. But for many tourists these days, reality is very different. In different coastal locations of Balivisitors found themselves in front of a very idyllic panorama: medical wasteincluding Siringhe – Some with exposed Aug – abandoned along the shoreline.

The first reports appeared on social media, where users such as Kirsty Grist They shared on the Facebook group Bali Bogans shocking images of the waste found on the sand. “If you are in the area, especially with children, be careful. We collected Two bags of syringes, some with needles“He wrote.

The reactions did not wait: among those who confirm and those who denice, the debate is on. Many users have told similar experiences, while others have accused those who denounce the situation of exaggerate or invent. Yet there are those who confirm: “We too have found two full bags. Some with discovered needles“Wrote Cassie Hardy.

A crisis that is repeated every year

The presence of plastic, industrial waste and sanitary waste It is not new for Bali. Every year, between October and Marchduring the rainy seasonthe beaches are invaded by dozens of tons of garbagetransported by the sea and rivers.

According to data from Bali.comIndonesia is the Second country in the world For marine plastic pollution, after China. The open -air landfillscombined with an inefficient waste management, worsen the situation. When the landfills are full, the waste end up in the rivers or in illegal landfillsoften very close to natural fine areas.

The weight of tourism and the need for solutions

Before the pandemic, Bali welcomed further 16 million tourists a year. This has exercised one enormous pressure on the local disposal systemwhich today struggles to hold up. Although some projects have been started to improve the situation, the island continues to suffer from the accumulation of waste and the lack of controls. You need a paradigm changewhich involves authorities, tourist companies and visitors. Because a paradise, if suffocating in the trash, risks losing all its charm.