The Seribu Islands Water Resources (SDA) Sub-agency is ramping up beach restoration efforts on the northern side of the Cinta Bridge, Tidung Island Urban Village, South Seribu Islands.

Seribu Islands SDA Sub-agency Head, Mustajab stated that the restoration focuses on sand replenishment to address erosion. Sand is being dredged from offshore and relocated to the shoreline to restore the beach’s natural contours.

"This is part of our coastal maintenance efforts. We are bringing back the sand lost to erosion so that the beach can be restored to its original state," he expressed, Monday (4/13).

He explained that to safeguard the restoration efforts, geobags are being deployed along the project site. This measure serves as a protective barrier to prevent the sand from being washed away by the waves once again.

"The 200-meter beach restoration project has been underway since early March," he noted.

He added that once the project is completed, the area can be used by both locals and tourists for various activities, ranging from playing in the sand and beach volleyball to other recreational pursuits.

"In the future, I hope to see more beaches with pristine white-sand expanses for everyone to enjoy, thereby bolstering the tourism sector in Seribu Islands," he concluded.

Seribu Islands Beach Section Head, Wahyu Maulana added that besides the sand restoration, the embankment in the same area is also being restructured using solid concrete cubes.

"The previous embankment had sustained damage, necessitating a complete overhaul across a stretch of approximately 200 meters," he stated.

He went on to say that the embankment will eventually be cast in concrete to serve as both a pedestrian walkway and a relaxation spot for residents and tourists. As of now, construction progress has exceeded 50 percent, covering a stretch of approximately 110 meters.

"In the future, the area in front of the embankment will be planted with mangroves as a natural buffer against erosion and to preserve the balance of the coastal ecosystem," he elaborated.

He urged residents to play their part in maintaining the project's outcome by refraining from vandalizing the new facilities and by keeping the beach environment clean.

"We hope for the continued support of all stakeholders to ensure this area remains well-preserved, allowing Tidung Island's coastline to become a comfortable, safe, and sustainable destination," he concluded.