5 MIN READ
03-04-2026
Pancur Beach Cleanup with Blue Iron Foundations and Shoring
Dika, 4ocean Jembrana Content Correspondent
On February 5, 2026, Team 4ocean Java carried out a large scale shoreline cleanup at Pancur Beach in Alas Purwo National Park with the support of our partners Blue Iron Foundations and Shoring. Known for its white sand and sweeping ocean views, Pancur Beach is one of Banyuwangi’s most treasured natural destinations. However, recent heavy rainfall and unstable weather had washed significant amounts of debris onto the shoreline, threatening the beauty and ecological balance of this protected area.
The cleanup followed an invitation from the Tegaldlimo District Marine Affairs Office and brought together multiple stakeholders, including marine authorities, the marine corps, police, students, local residents, and representatives from the Banyuwangi government. In response, 4ocean Java Manager Yohan Efendi deployed Team Java Beach 1 and Team Java Beach 2 to work collaboratively on the western section of the beach. Departing at 6:00 a.m. with four pickup trucks, the teams traveled approximately 35 kilometers from the 4ocean Java base to reach Pancur Beach.
Before departure, crew members prepared sacks, ropes, weighing scales, and full personal protective equipment. Upon arrival, they were greeted by the pristine landscape and surrounding wildlife of Alas Purwo. Despite the natural beauty, the shoreline was heavily scattered with plastic waste mixed with organic debris such as bamboo and driftwood. Plastic bags, bottles, foam containers, cups, sandals, shoes, and cans were found across the sand, much of it trapped beneath piles of logs carried in by waves.
With shared determination, the team began clearing the designated area. Due to the significant volume of debris, progress moved quickly. In less than five hours, 76 full sacks were collected and gathered at a central point for weighing. Once documented, the sacks were transported back to the 4ocean Java base for proper handling.
In total, 1,250.6 pounds of plastic waste were removed from Pancur Beach. The transformation of the cleaned section of shoreline was immediately visible, restoring part of the natural beauty of the national park.
For Yohan Efendi, the moment was meaningful. He shared, “Today marks the first cleanup by Team 4ocean Java at Pancur Beach. We are very happy and proud to be part of the mission to protect the natural environment of Alas Purwo National Park from plastic waste. We hope our actions will create a positive impression and motivate all sectors of society to care more about rivers, beaches, and oceans.”
The cleanup presented several challenges. Large logs and bamboo piles trapped waste underneath, requiring extra effort to remove hidden debris. Transporting the filled sacks was also demanding due to the uphill access road leading to the main route. Strong coordination and teamwork ensured that every sack was successfully evacuated.
Pancur Beach is not only a tourist destination but also a vital part of a protected ecosystem. Waste that washes ashore often originates far beyond the coastline, carried through rivers and ocean currents. Plastic pollution remains a long term threat because it takes decades to break down, eventually fragmenting into microplastics that can harm marine life and enter the food chain.
With the support of Blue Iron Foundation and Shoring, Team 4ocean Java remains committed to protecting beaches, rivers, and oceans through direct action and education. Preserving the natural beauty of national parks like Alas Purwo requires collective responsibility. Through continued collaboration and consistent cleanups, we are working to ensure that these landscapes remain healthy and protected for future generations.
