5 MIN READ
06-11-2026
Inside the Glondong Beach Cleanup Mission
Dika, 4ocean Jembrana Content Correspondent
The 4ocean Java Beach Team arrived at Glondong Beach with a clear mission: remove the plastic waste threatening one of the area's important coastal environments. Led by Team Captain Darys Eka Setiawan, the crew prepared early in the day, checking sacks, ropes, and personal protective equipment before setting out from the 4ocean Java base.
After traveling 19 kilometers over approximately 36 minutes, the team reached Glondong Beach and was immediately confronted by the extent of the pollution. Waste was scattered across the shoreline, much of it partially buried beneath the sand or trapped among piles of bamboo washed ashore by the tide.
Without hesitation, the team began surveying the areas most heavily affected by debris before dividing into groups to maximize their efforts. Plastic bottles, packaging, and other discarded materials were carefully collected one piece at a time and placed into waiting sacks.
What appeared at first glance to be a straightforward cleanup soon proved otherwise.
Large accumulations of bamboo lined sections of the beach, concealing layers of plastic waste underneath. Before the crew could access the debris, they first had to move the heavy bamboo by hand. Under the intense midday heat, the work demanded patience, coordination, and persistence.
As the hours passed, the impact of the team's efforts became increasingly visible. Rows of filled sacks began lining the shoreline, offering a powerful contrast to the waste-strewn landscape they had encountered earlier that morning.
Once the cleanup was complete, the team gathered all collected waste at a designated staging area. Each sack was then weighed and documented, ensuring the day's efforts contributed to a broader understanding of the pollution affecting Glondong Beach.
By the end of the cleanup, the 4ocean Java Beach Team had collected a total of 1,416.20 pounds of waste across 37 sacks. This included 490.60 pounds of plastic waste contained in 20 sacks and 925.60 pounds of mixed waste collected in 17 sacks. The volume of debris recovered highlighted the ongoing challenge of marine pollution along the coastline and the importance of continued cleanup efforts.
The cleanup presented several obstacles for the team. Much of the plastic waste had become trapped beneath large piles of bamboo debris, requiring crew members to clear the bamboo before accessing the waste underneath.
In addition, the area with the highest concentration of debris was located approximately 500 meters from the weighing station. Transporting dozens of heavy sacks over that distance required extra physical effort and strong teamwork to ensure no waste was left behind.
Glondong Beach is more than a scenic coastline. It is also a source of livelihood for local fishing communities and an important part of the surrounding marine ecosystem.
The plastic waste recovered during this cleanup serves as a reminder that pollution does not simply disappear. Over time, larger pieces of plastic break down into microplastics that can enter the food chain, affecting marine wildlife and potentially human health as well.
The work of the 4ocean Java Beach Team extends beyond removing waste from the shoreline. Each cleanup represents an opportunity to encourage greater environmental awareness and demonstrate that protecting the ocean begins with everyday choices on land.
Reducing the use of single-use plastics, disposing of waste responsibly, and supporting efforts to keep waterways clean are all steps that can help create healthier beaches and oceans for generations to come. Through consistent action and shared responsibility, meaningful change remains possible.
"I am very proud to be part of the 4ocean Java Beach Team because, through 4ocean, I can directly contribute to real environmental cleanup efforts, especially in helping keep our beaches free from plastic waste. Being involved in this work gives me a sense of purpose, knowing that every cleanup makes a positive impact on the environment and helps protect our oceans for future generations."
— Saiful Kirom
