The Indonesian Wave Surfing Association (PSOI) and local residents of Rote Ndao Regency, East Nusa Tenggara (NTT), have come together to launch a petition to stop foreign entities from controlling access to Bo’a Beach. The petition was started on February 14, 2025, via change.org, and has quickly gained support, with thousands of people signing it.
The petition emerged in response to alarming revelations that Bo’a Beach, which is situated in Bo’a Village within the West Rote Subdistrict, was in the process of being privatized by foreign companies, raising significant concerns among both the local population and the global surfing community.
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Many fear that if private ownership is established, access to the beach, which has long been a hub for both domestic and international surfers, could become restricted, thereby undermining the local community’s long-standing relationship with the area and diminishing its role as a cultural and economic asset.
Bo’a Beach: A Global Surfing Hotspot Under Threat
Recognized as one of the premier surfing locations in the world, Bo’a Beach has gained international acclaim due to its exceptional waves, which rank as the second-largest globally after those found in Hawaii, making it a sought-after destination for professional and amateur surfers alike.
Located approximately 7.5 kilometres from the district capital, the beach has played host to numerous prestigious surfing competitions that attract elite surfers from around the world, further cementing its reputation as a premier surfing paradise.
Beyond its significance to the surfing community, Bo’a Beach is also celebrated for its breathtaking landscapes, which include pristine white sandy shores, crystal-clear blue waters, and an unspoiled natural environment that continues to captivate visitors from all walks of life.
In addition to being a world-class surfing destination, Bo’a Beach offers a wide array of recreational activities that appeal to both tourists and locals, including swimming, snorkelling, fishing, and excursions to the nearby Ndana Island, which holds the distinction of being Indonesia’s southernmost island.
Given its unparalleled natural beauty and its status as an invaluable tourism asset, the local community firmly believes that maintaining public access to the beach is of utmost importance, not only for preserving its cultural and environmental significance but also for ensuring that it remains a shared resource that benefits the wider population rather than a select few.
As of February 21, 2025, the petition has already amassed a remarkable 1,754 signatures, demonstrating the strong opposition among locals and supporters worldwide to the ongoing privatization efforts spearheaded by PT Boa Development and Nihi Rote Management.
The petition serves as a direct appeal to the acting Regent of Rote Ndao Regency, urging the local government to take decisive action in safeguarding public access to Bo’a Beach and preventing its transformation into an exclusive, privately controlled property.
With prominent community figures in Rote Ndao voicing their unwavering resistance to these privatization initiatives, the petition continues to gain traction, fueled by widespread sharing across various social media platforms, as more individuals join the movement to protect Bo’a Beach for future generations.
