5 MIN READ
12-03-2025
Churchill Container Backs 4ocean Java Cleanup at Sembulungan Beach
Dika, 4ocean Jembrana Content Correspondent
The 4ocean Java River Team set out before sunrise for their routine cleanup at Sembulungan Beach, a remote coastline inside the well-known Alas Purwo National Park. With Churchill Container supporting today’s effort, the crew prepared their gear, checked the boat, and began the one hour trip across calm morning water toward the isolated stretch of beach that often receives large amounts of plastic waste after heavy rains.
Sembulungan is a beautiful but vulnerable place. Ocean currents and river discharge funnel debris into its coves, leaving plastic bottles, food packaging, sandals, ropes, and organic waste scattered across the sand after each tide cycle. These routine cleanups are essential to preserving the coastline’s natural character and preventing waste from breaking down into microplastics that can harm marine life.
Upon arrival, the River Team quickly unloaded their gear and conducted a full sweep of the beach. Their workflow is methodical: prepare and stage equipment, conduct a joint cleanup, segregate the waste into sacks based on type, load everything back onto the boat, transport it to Stail Dock, weigh it, record it, and finally deliver it all to the 4ocean Java base for proper processing.
Plastic bottles, food wrappers, bags, foam fragments, paint cans, sandals, shoes, sacks, rope, and mixed debris were scattered across the shoreline. The team filled sack after sack under the heat of the midday sun, moving steadily along the coastline until every recoverable item was removed.
Today’s total collection reached 1,173.9 pounds of waste across 37 sacks. This included 810.3 pounds of plastic waste and 363.6 pounds of mixed waste.
Crew member Fani Abdillah shared his reflection from the field. “I am very happy to be part of the 4ocean family. This is a moment for me to learn how to bring value to others. This work is enjoyable because we not only make a positive impact on the environment but also provide education through real actions on the importance of maintaining cleanliness.”
Collecting floating waste proved difficult because debris kept drifting with wind and wave movement. The team also encountered plastic and non-plastic waste buried beneath sand layers, which required slow and careful digging to remove without scattering debris back into the water. Despite these challenges, the crew remained consistent, working until the shoreline was clear.
Waste continues to pose serious threats to coastal ecosystems. Without intervention, debris can pollute rivers and oceans, harm wildlife, and eventually enter the food chain. Many communities still struggle with awareness around plastic use and disposal, making on-the-ground action essential.
The 4ocean Java River Team remains committed to protecting vulnerable locations like Sembulungan Beach. With partners like Churchill Container supporting this mission, the team continues to set a positive example for environmental stewardship and hopes that future generations will inherit beaches that are cleaner, healthier, and free from plastic pollution.
Learn more about 4ocean's partnership with Churchill Container here.
