Klungkung Regency Government Closes Access to Swimming in Nusa Penida

Nusa Penida Bali/DOK ANTARA

KLUNGKUNG - The District Government of Klungkung, Bali, has decided to close swimming access at three beaches in Nusa Penida.

The three beaches namely Diamond Beach, Kelingking Beach, and Angel Billabong are considered to have fast currents. The closure was carried out after 2 foreign tourists were lost in the waves at Diamond Beach.

Klungkung Police Chief AKBP I Nengah Sadiarta said the closure of access to swimming at three beaches has taken effect today", It will take effect now because we had a meeting only yesterday", said AKBP Sadiarta, Friday, January 13.

The closure of swimming access at the three beaches was decided in a limited coordination meeting of the Regional Leadership Communication Forum (Forkompinda) which was held on Thursday, January 12.

"So yesterday, Forkompinda held a meeting to discuss the problem of foreign tourist accidents, especially those on Diamond Beach.

It was decided to temporarily close the beach due to strong currents causing casualties.

"So the decision of the Regent to temporarily close while later there will be a scientific study", he added.

But, certainly, tourists can still come to the three beaches in Nusa Penida. However, swimming is prohibited.

"If going to the beach is allowed, what is not allowed is swimming. For how long does it need to be studied by the local government? For me, from the police it is only suggested to anticipate so that it doesn't happen again and in the short term we will close access to swimming", he said.

Later, beach officers or Balawista will be placed on the three beaches in the Nusa Penida area. Warning boards, danger flags, CCTV, security fences, sirens, and monitoring towers will also be installed.

Meanwhile, the Head of the Nusa Penida Tourism Management Regional Technical Implementation Unit (UPTD), Nyoman Kariawan, said the policy was good for anticipating victims due to being swept away by the waves.

"If we look at the results of yesterday's meeting, there are already plans for the short and long term, what should be done. So later there will be made an information board not to swim", he said.