5 MIN READ
04-29-2025
From Sacred Rituals to Plastic Waste: Cleaning Up Kedungu Beach
Ucik, 4ocean Jembrana Content Correspondent
On April 29, 2025, the 4ocean Denpasar crew gathered at Kedungu Beach—a beloved surf spot known for its glassy waves and deep spiritual roots. While this coastal gem is a draw for surfers of all levels, it’s also home to near-daily Hindu ceremonies where locals make offerings, or banten, to the sea. Once crafted entirely from natural materials, many of these offerings are now wrapped in plastic for convenience—a quiet shift with serious environmental consequences.
Led by Captain Agus and supported by Ketut, Wayan Kariada, Putu Adi, Aftaf, Made, Gung Wawan, Bagas, and Dika Setiawan, the team walked the black sand beach under the morning sun, collecting the day’s tide of debris. Their primary target? Discarded banten—plastic-wrapped floral bundles left behind after ritual prayers. While rooted in devotion, these offerings are increasingly becoming a source of pollution, caught between ancient practice and modern convenience.
The team sorted and removed a total of 401.25 lbs of waste, including plastic bottles, fishing nets, jerry cans, and more than a few dozen discarded offerings. Of this, 385.05 lbs was plastic—an alarming reminder of how deeply synthetic materials have embedded themselves into sacred traditions.
“We understand the importance of ritual,” said one crew member. “But from nature, back to nature—it would be wise to use eco-friendly materials when making ceremonial offerings.”
Their task wasn't without its challenges. Beyond the emotional weight of sorting through religious offerings, the crew had to navigate aggressive local dogs—several of whom chased team members along the shoreline, teeth bared. Still, spirits stayed high as the crew remained focused on their mission: not just removing waste, but fostering awareness.
The team hopes their efforts serve as a quiet nudge toward change. They know this isn’t just about trash—it’s about protecting a cultural landscape from an ecological one. By separating the sacred from the synthetic, they’re helping pave the way for a more mindful relationship between ritual and nature.
