Flood Victims in Bali Receive Aid as Government Pledges Comprehensive Reconstruction

Denpasar, Bali – In the wake of catastrophic floods and landslides across multiple districts, Indonesia’s government has mobilised emergency aid and pledged long-term reconstruction to help Bali recover. The disaster, triggered by torrential rains, has left at least 18 people dead, thousands displaced, and widespread damage to homes, businesses, and public infrastructure.

The Social Affairs Ministry has disbursed over Rp 2 billion (roughly US$117,000) in logistical support and direct relief. This aid includes compensation: victims who died receive Rp 15 million; those injured receive Rp 5 million. Relief packages comprising tents, food and beverages, maternal and child care supplies, and essential medicines are being delivered based on assessments of affected communities.

Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka visited flood evacuees in Denpasar, particularly at the Banjar Tohpati evacuation post, and reassured residents of full recovery support. “We are assessing the extent of the damage … the government … is here to help,” he said. The vice president also met with regional leaders to coordinate assistance and ensure affected families’ concerns are heard.

Regional governments have also acted: Bali Governor Wayan Koster has committed the regional budget (APBD) to compensating market traders and repairing damaged buildings. Roughly 200 traders at Badung Market alone suffered losses after goods were swept away or destroyed. Buildings near the flood-prone Tukad Badung riverbank collapsed or were damaged, intensifying economic strain.

Meanwhile, efforts by state agency Bulog have begun distributing emergency food supplies: 2,000 kg of rice along with 250 food packages (each containing rice, cooking oil, sugar) are being delivered. Bulog has also set up emergency posts to provide free meals to those affected.

Government officials emphasise a phased response: an initial focus on evacuation, emergency assistance, and medical care, followed by rehabilitation and reconstruction. President Prabowo Subianto has reportedly issued directives for all relevant agencies — including the National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) — to ensure aid reaches its intended recipients and to assess the scale of physical and economic damage.

Impact & Challenges

• At least 18 people have lost their lives; many more injured or displaced.
• Thousands of homes, public facilities, and businesses – particularly in Denpasar, Badung, Gianyar, Gianyar, Jembrana – have been damaged or destroyed.
• Disruption to markets, education (schools damaged or inaccessible), health services, and basic utilities. Evacuation shelters set up; temporary needs such as food, shelter, medical care urgent.
• Public concern over underlying causes: inadequate drainage, blocked waterways, river overflow, effects of rapid urban development. Some evacuees demand better land-use planning, infrastructure improvements to prevent recurrence.

What Lies Ahead

Looking forward, government agencies will undertake detailed damage assessments. Reconstruction will include rehabilitation of homes, markets, public infrastructure like roads and bridges, and possibly redesigning flood-prone zones. Policies to strengthen early warning, improve drainage, river management, and spatial planning are expected to be part of the recovery plan.

The speed and transparency of aid distribution will be key to public confidence. In addition, involvement of community stakeholders, local governments, and civil society may play a crucial role in ensuring affected populations receive appropriate compensation and that long-term reconstruction addresses both physical damage and disaster resilience.

Even as Bali begins the challenging path of recovery, government officials have pledged not just to restore what was lost, but to build back better — integrating disaster risk reduction, urban planning, and infrastructure resilience to reduce vulnerability in a changing climate. Whether those pledges translate into lasting change will depend on execution and community engagement in the months ahead.