TRENGGALEK – Severe Konang Beach pollution has blanketed the shoreline of Konang Beach in Trenggalek, East Java, with organic and plastic waste, undermining visitor comfort and tourism appeal. The contamination stretches along the coast of Nglebeng village in Panggul district, where debris now covers large sections of sand.

Residents say repeated flooding over recent weeks has carried driftwood, leaves, coconuts, and food and beverage packaging onto the beach. “The trash came from floods here a few weeks ago, and flooding still happens sometimes,” local resident Bonaji said on Sunday (March 1).

The waste buildup has left what should be a scenic coastal attraction coated in debris. Piles of natural and visitor-generated waste line the water’s edge, creating an unsightly and potentially hazardous environment for beachgoers.

Community groups, subdistrict officials, and local military personnel previously staged a coastal cleanup ahead of the Ramadan fasting month. However, fresh floods soon washed new waste ashore, reversing much of the progress.

Konang Beach remains managed informally by local residents rather than the regional government. Community members hope official involvement could improve waste control, maintenance, and tourism management while generating local revenue through modest entrance fees.