What begins as waves crashing against Bali’s coastline is turning into something much more serious. Along the shore in Jembrana, the sea is no longer only reshaping the coast. It is now threatening one of the island’s sacred sites. Continuous abrasion has gradually eaten away at the land surrounding Pura Rambut Siwi, leaving parts of the temple complex damaged and pushing some structures close to collapse.
The situation in Yehembang Kangin Village, Mendoyo District, Jembrana Regency, has become increasingly concerning. Strong coastal waves have continued hitting the area and causing severe damage around Pura Tirta Rambut Siwi. Several parts of the sacred complex have already been destroyed, while others remain at risk as the erosion continues to intensify.
The most critical area is located directly beneath Pura Dang Kahyangan Rambut Siwi. Coastal waves have already swept away important structures in the area. The temple’s protective wall and the Kori gate of Pura Tirta have collapsed after repeated exposure to the sea’s force.
The destruction has extended further into the temple grounds. Bale Pesandegan, one of the buildings inside the temple complex, has already suffered structural damage and now stands close to falling. The condition has raised concerns among worshippers who continue visiting the site for prayers. If the erosion is left untreated, fears are growing that the entire temple area could eventually disappear.
“The abrasion has become extremely severe. Many parts of Pura Tirta have already been destroyed. This has been happening for a long time and needs immediate action before it gets worse,” said Pura Tirta caretaker Mangku Widi on Wednesday, May 20, 2026.
Mangku Widi warned that the threat has reached a critical stage. According to him, the existence of Pura Tirta itself could be in danger if authorities do not take action soon. He hopes the government will pay close attention to the worsening situation.
“I heard that the regency government has already proposed an abrasion mitigation plan to the central government. Hopefully it can be realized soon,” he said.
Yehembang Kangin Village Head Gede Suardika also confirmed the seriousness of the damage. Together with temple caretakers, his side has reported the issue to the Jembrana regional administration and submitted requests for assistance to the Bali Penida River Basin Authority.
According to Suardika, the level of damage has reached a scale that requires technical intervention rather than temporary solutions.
“The scale of the damage and its causes is already significant, so an effective solution must be handled using proper technical measures. Therefore, this falls under the authority of the River Basin Authority,” Suardika explained.
He also said that a team from the Bali Penida River Basin Authority had already visited the location and conducted field surveys. However, despite the assessment process, no physical handling measures have yet been implemented.
Local communities had previously tried to slow the damage through emergency action. District authorities, military personnel, police officers, village officials, and residents worked together to build temporary barriers along the coast. Their efforts involved placing sand into sacks and using them as emergency protection against incoming waves.
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“We worked together before. We patched the coastline using sand placed inside sacks. However, because the level of damage and the causes are severe, those efforts were not effective,” he added.
For now, waves continue reaching the coastline while concerns continue growing among local residents and worshippers. The damage that once appeared manageable has become a larger challenge. Without stronger intervention, one of Bali’s sacred coastal landmarks could face an uncertain future.
