Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto Visits Bali Following Severe Floods Disrupting Tourism in Key Areas
Bali, Indonesia – September 16, 2025 — Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto made an official visit to Bali on September 13, 2025, in the aftermath of severe flooding that has significantly impacted the island’s major tourist destinations, including Denpasar, Canggu, and Seminyak. The visit underscores the government’s commitment to supporting affected communities and restoring essential infrastructure to revive Bali’s critical tourism sector.
Presidential Visit Highlights Urgent Response Efforts
During his visit, President Prabowo Subianto toured flood-affected areas in Denpasar, personally witnessing streets inundated with mud and debris. He engaged with local residents and small business owners who have experienced considerable hardships due to the floods. The President’s Office emphasized that priorities include ensuring the provision of basic needs, expediting infrastructure repairs, and maintaining continued emergency relief until full recovery is achieved.
Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka and Tourism Minister Widiyanti Wardhana accompanied the President, emphasizing the collective approach taken by national leaders. Local officials, such as Governor Wayan Koster and Denpasar Mayor Jaya Negara, have been actively coordinating recovery initiatives. Environment Minister Hanif Faisol Nurofiq highlighted the necessity of developing long-term policies aimed at mitigating future disaster risks.
Extent of Flood Damage Across Bali
According to Bali’s Disaster Management Agency (BPBD), there are 335 reported disaster points scattered across the island. Mengwi District has been hardest hit with 132 incidents, followed by North Kuta with 115, Abiansemal at 48, Kuta with 33, and Petang experiencing 7 cases.
In Denpasar alone, over 210 tonnes of debris have already been cleared. Despite these efforts, officials caution that this represents only a small portion of the overall damage. Search and rescue operations continue, with teams from Basarnas (Search and Rescue), the Bali Police, the Indonesian Army, and the Pecalang (traditional village security forces) helping with evacuations and the search for missing persons. Tragically, the ongoing cleanup has led to further discovery of casualties.
Emergency Measures and State of Alert
Governor Wayan Koster declared a province-wide state of emergency, effective until at least September 17, 2025. This declaration allows for intensified disaster response actions aimed at safeguarding residents, delivering food and shelter, and minimizing additional risks amid continuing rainfall.
The government has pledged sustained support, declaring that emergency aid and recovery assistance will continue until affected areas are stabilized and rehabilitation is complete.
Impact on Tourism and Visitor Guidance
Despite the disruptions, the Indonesian Ministry of Tourism reassures that Bali remains open for travelers. Visitors are encouraged to stay informed through official resources such as the Bali Center for Climatology, Meteorology, and Geophysics, which provides daily weather updates.
Tourists are advised to consult directly with their accommodation providers regarding evacuation plans and flood safety protocols. Many resorts in regions like Seminyak, Ubud, and Nusa Dua have implemented emergency measures to ensure guest safety.
Travel experts recommend that visitors keep travel plans flexible, secure appropriate travel insurance, and avoid traveling to rural areas affected by floods until authorities declare them safe.
Balancing Recovery with Long-Term Resilience
Government officials are balancing immediate relief efforts with strategic long-term plans focused on enhancing Bali’s resilience to natural disasters. Governor Koster has underscored the importance of infrastructure improvements and environmental management to reduce the likelihood and impact of future flooding.
Popular tourist areas not heavily affected by the floods, including Uluwatu, Sanur, and Nusa Dua, continue operating with minimal interruptions. Several cultural and family-oriented festivals are proceeding as scheduled, reflecting a concerted effort to sustain Bali’s vibrant tourism calendar during recovery.
Bali’s Enduring Spirit
Bali has historically faced natural challenges, such as volcanic eruptions and earthquakes, but has invariably shown resilience. The combined efforts of local authorities, national leaders, and community organizations are driving a steady path to recovery.
While the severe flooding presents significant challenges, tourism leaders remain committed to restoring confidence among travelers and ensuring Bali’s continued standing as a world-class destination.
As Bali moves forward, the island’s commitment to recovery and sustainable development shines through, offering hope for both its residents and the millions of visitors who cherish its unique charm and beauty.
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