Written by Jonathan Lyons.

Krui, a small rustic coastal town in Lampung, Sumatra, is a hidden gem for surfers, offering a captivating variety of waves that cater to the best surfers on the planet. The peaky waves at Krui break over razor-sharp reefs, delivering exhilarating rides that challenge even the most experienced surfers. Just a short distance away, Mandiri offers a robust beach break, perfect for those seeking barreling, chunky waves. The renowned point breaks at Ujung Bocur and Jenny’s provide pristine conditions and are often less crowded, allowing for long, thrilling rides.

Krui, with its incredible breaks, beautiful scenery, and vibrant marine life, is now threatened by an environmental crisis. The pristine waves could soon be marred by plastic waste entering our oceans.

The Plastic Crisis: A threat to Krui’s coral reefs and local economy

Indonesia is the second-largest contributor to marine plastic pollution, responsible for an estimated 1.29 million tons of plastic waste entering its seas every year. Indonesia’s limited waste management—only 39% of plastic waste is safely managed, mostly in Jakarta—leaves much of the country’s plastic mismanaged, flowing into rivers, coasts, and ultimately, the ocean. Without urgent intervention, this pollution not only endangers coral reefs but also threatens the communities that depend on healthy oceans for fishing, tourism, and surfing.

The increase in tourism, particularly from surfers seeking perfect waves, further complicates this situation.  Events like the WSL competitions – Krui Junior Pro and Krui Pro QS at Ujung Bocur – have brought global attention to Krui, attracting more visitors. This boom in tourism is one of the main reasons for the expansion of the local airport (Bandara Muhammad Taufiq Kiemas Krui) and the introduction of more regular flights. While beneficial for the local economy, it strains the existing infrastructure, which is ill-equipped to handle the rising tide of waste. As tourism marketing escalates, promoting these beautiful Indonesian locales, the necessary investments in waste management have not kept pace.

The current crisis in Krui, Sumatra

Krui’s rivers act as direct conduits for pollution, carrying tons of plastic into the sea. The lack of waste management infrastructure has turned these rivers into dumping grounds, with plastic debris constantly being swept into the ocean, killing marine life. Adding to this environmental disaster is the lack of effort to implement proper waste disposal and recycling programs. The result is an ever-growing environmental crisis for Krui.

Critically, the blame often falls on local communities for dumping waste into the rivers. Yet, as Michelle Hall from Clayoquot Biosphere Trust emphasises, this narrative overlooks the cultural context. Traditionally, locals managed compostable waste, but the advent of plastic—and the pressure from increased tourism—has overwhelmed their systems. Culturally, waste was once biodegradable and manageable, but with the rise of plastics, Krui is facing a crisis that seems insurmountable. “It’s alarming to think about quadrupling the number of people and materials visiting the Indonesia islands while neglecting the infrastructure to manage the ensuing waste,” says Michelle.

In the face of this overwhelming challenge, Krui Kecahko, a grassroots environmental NGO, is leading the charge to protect Krui’s ecosystems. Despite limited resources, this dedicated team is making strides through local education, action, and advocacy.

Krui Kecahko: A local response with global impact

Krui Kecahko is working to change local habits through environmental education. Through workshops, school programs, and public outreach, they raise awareness about plastic pollution and the importance of conservation. The organising of regular beach cleanups also helps preserve local beaches and marine life.

Locals are participating in beach cleanups and education workshops to learn about the importance of clean environments and the 3Rs: reuse, repurpose, and recycle.

To prevent further contamination, Krui Kecahko has strategically installed 14 waste bins near waterways and is planning to construct water boom trash barriers to keep Krui’s rivers clean, ensuring waste is collected and properly disposed of.

The NGO has launched a coral reef restoration project to rehabilitate damaged reefs. By planting new coral fragments and cleaning up underwater debris, Krui Kecahko is helping restore the health and biodiversity of these critical ecosystems.

Concurrently, Krui Kecahko is actively advocating for better waste management policies and working closely with local authorities to find sustainable solutions. In partnership with businesses and residents, they’re also promoting recycling and upcycling initiatives, transforming plastic waste into valuable materials like building supplies, helping to keep rivers and oceans cleaner.

A Call to Action: how you can help

Krui Kecahko is at the forefront of an environmental battle that affects us all. To continue their vital work, they urgently need support. The NGO requires funding for essential materials such as dumpsters, gloves, bags, and cement for waste bins, as well as resources for ongoing advocacy and lobbying efforts. Additionally, financial backing is necessary for transport costs, educational outreach, and community cleanup initiatives.

Krui Kecahko is fortunate to receive support from the PSBI Social Bank of Indonesia and the provincial tourism office through the Kelompok Sadar Wisata (Tourism Awareness Group). The Kelompok Sadar Wisata or known as Pokdarwis aims to foster a conducive environment for sustainable tourism development, ensuring that the growth of tourism not only benefits local communities but also preserves their rich cultural heritage and natural resources.

Furthermore, Krui Kecahko operates a garbage bank initiative that encourages recycling by allowing community members to exchange waste for cash. This program accepts up to 32 different items, including organic household waste, used cooking oil, various types of paper, plastic, glass, and metals, helping residents recognise the economic value of their waste. However, one of the challenges faced is the high cost of transporting materials to the nearest purchasers, which are unfortunately more than four hours away. To address this issue, Krui Kecahko aims to process as much waste locally as possible, thereby reducing transportation costs and maximising the impact of their efforts.

One of their key goals is to secure funding for machinery that can transform plastic waste into valuable products like furniture and paving blocks. This initiative would not only reduce waste but also create circular, community-driven solutions that benefit everyone.

This is where you come in. By contributing to their GoFundMe campaign here, you can help empower Krui Kecahko to continue protecting Krui’s environment and coral reefs. Your support will directly fund their initiatives and allow them to expand their outreach, keeping the ocean cleaner and the reefs healthier for future generations.

In a world where plastic waste is a growing crisis, organisations like Krui Kecahko are beacons of hope. Let’s come together to support them in saving one of the planet’s most precious ecosystems and its iconic waves before it’s too late.