5 MIN READ
12-26-2024
The Mattress at the Corner of Pulukan Beach
Ahmad Fasta, 4ocean Bali Content Correspondent
A Shocking Discovery Sparks a Lesson in Environmental Responsibility
Pulukan Beach, January 25, 2025—What was meant to be a routine cleanup turned into an unexpected challenge for the 4ocean Jembrana crew. That morning, the team set out with high spirits, ready to tackle the growing waste issue along the coastline. As they combed the shore, they encountered various types of debris—fishing nets, plastic sandals, tarps, and sacks—each a reminder of humanity’s impact on the ocean. But nothing could prepare them for what they found next: a mattress, abandoned and half-buried in the sand.
A mattress is meant to bring comfort, but in this setting, it was anything but. The sight of such a large, discarded item in a place meant for relaxation and tourism was both shocking and disheartening. The crew quickly realized that this was no ordinary piece of trash—it had been there for a long time, soaked through with seawater and sand, making it incredibly heavy and difficult to remove.
“We were honestly stunned. Who would dump a mattress here?” one crew member remarked. According to local residents, the mattress had been carried by river floods, washed out to sea, and eventually deposited on the beach by the tides. A small but troubling glimpse into the broader issue of improper waste disposal.
Removing the mattress was no easy feat. Its sheer weight made it nearly impossible to lift, and the uneven sandy terrain only added to the difficulty. The team decided to use bamboo as support, crafting makeshift poles to help with transportation. However, the bamboo snapped under the pressure multiple times, forcing them to rethink their strategy. Despite these setbacks, the crew remained undeterred. Through teamwork and sheer determination, they finally managed to haul the mattress to the transport vehicle and move it to the storage facility for proper disposal.
Beyond being an eyesore, an abandoned mattress can cause severe environmental damage. Over time, materials such as latex, foam, and kapok degrade, releasing harmful chemicals into the seawater. The adhesives used in mattress production can also leach toxins, disrupting marine ecosystems and threatening aquatic life. Worse, such waste can become breeding grounds for bacteria, posing health risks to both marine animals and beachgoers.
The impact of this cleanup was significant—by the end of the day, the crew had removed a staggering 1,126.81 pounds of waste, including used tires, fishing nets, plastic sandals, fabric, PET bottles, and plastic cups. However, the real victory lay in the awareness this event raised.
“We hope this serves as a reminder to everyone about the importance of proper waste disposal,” a crew member shared. “If we want to keep our beaches clean and our oceans healthy, we all need to play our part.”
The mattress at Pulukan Beach was more than just a shocking find—it was a stark symbol of the consequences of careless waste management. It reinforced the need for stricter waste disposal practices and stronger community engagement in keeping coastal areas pristine.
By taking small but meaningful actions, such as sorting waste properly and ensuring that large items are disposed of correctly, we can help prevent incidents like this from recurring. Pulukan Beach—and beaches worldwide—deserve better. And with continued efforts from teams like 4ocean Jembrana, a cleaner, healthier future for our oceans is within reach.
