Floods Devastate Bali: President Prabowo Visits Victims, Pledges Swift Support and Recovery

Bali, Indonesia – Torrential rains that struck Bali over recent days have triggered widespread flooding, causing destruction to homes, businesses, infrastructure, and claiming more than a dozen lives. In response, President Prabowo Subianto made a personal visit to the worst-hit regions to assess damage, meet with evacuees, and promise rapid government action to aid recovery.

The floods, especially intense in Denpasar, Badung, Gianyar and Jembrana, were triggered by heavy downpours and overwhelmed drainage systems. Authorities report at least 17 confirmed deaths; several persons remain missing. Hundreds of homes and market stalls were flooded or damaged, while thousands of residents were forced to evacuate.

On his tour, President Prabowo visited neighborhoods around Badung Market in Denpasar, one of the hardest affected areas, along with regional officials including Bali Governor I Wayan Koster and head of the National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB), Suharyanto. He examined damaged residences and small businesses, interacted with residents whose livelihoods were disrupted, and issued orders for an accelerated disaster response.

“The government is responding swiftly to the floods across Bali,” said Cabinet Secretary Teddy Indra Wijaya, reiterating the president’s demand that agencies such as the BNPB, Public Works Ministry, and Social Affairs Ministry coordinate their efforts efficiently.

President Prabowo’s commitments during the visit included delivering aid packages, repairing homes and marketplace infrastructure, restoring public services, and assessing damages to public and private property. He emphasized that recovery must be both fast and sustainable.

Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka also visited flood-affected areas, meeting evacuees at one of the major shelters, Banjar Tohpati in Denpasar. He vowed full government support for long-term recovery, especially for those whose homes were severely damaged or destroyed, and pressed for addressing root causes like urban planning and drainage deficiencies.

Local leaders and residents have raised concerns about inadequate drainage, blocked waterways, and rapid unplanned development worsening the flood risk. Some evacuees pointed out that construction projects had impeded natural water flows and increased vulnerability.

Authorities also reassured that tourism, a critical sector in Bali, remains operational. Access to key locations, including Ngurah Rai Airport, is clear, and hotels and tourist zones are functioning. Officials stated there have been no significant cancellations from foreign visitors so far.

Going forward, the government plans to distribute compensation to affected families and business owners, mobilize resources for reconstruction, and strengthen preventive infrastructure. Flood control measures, improved drainage systems, and better land-use regulation are expected to be part of future planning.

While floodwaters are receding and emergency situations stabilizing in many areas, the emotional and economic toll on communities is significant. The scale of recovery required will test the region’s resilience—and the effectiveness of government action will be closely watched by residents, businesses, and the international community.