Vice President of Indonesia, Gibran Rakabuming Raka, voiced concerns about uncontrolled and rapid urban development in Denpasar, Bali, which he said contributed to the scale of the recent floods that devastated the area on Wednesday (Sept 10, 2025).
Speaking at a flood evacuation shelter in Banjar Tohpati, East Denpasar, on Friday (Sept 12), Gibran said that both national and regional governments were working to devise concrete solutions to the crisis.
“I’m asking for attention on this, because development in Bali is very massive. Let’s find a solution together,” Gibran told flood survivors during his visit.
During a dialogue with evacuees, one local resident expressed hope that similar disasters would not happen again in the future.
According to Kompas.com, “We hope Mr. Vice President won’t have to come here again next year — because if he doesn’t, that means there’s no flood,” said the resident.
Drainage, Water Catchment, and Tourism Recovery in Focus
The Vice President revealed that he had discussed the matter with Denpasar Mayor IGN Jaya Negara and encouraged urgent upgrades to the city’s drainage systems and water catchment areas to mitigate future flooding.
According to Antaranews, “We’ve discussed it with the Mayor — it’s about drainage, water absorption areas, so this kind of flooding won’t happen again,” he explained.
He also urged swift recovery in affected tourism sectors and support for small vendors.
“We want post-disaster recovery to focus on tourism and also help the local traders to get back on their feet,” he added.
16 Dead, One Missing, and 562 Displaced
According to Bali’s Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD), floods affected 120 locations across seven regions.
Denpasar was the worst hit, with 81 flood points, followed by Gianyar (14), Badung (12), Tabanan (8), Karangasem and Jembrana (4 each), and Klungkung (1).
The National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) confirmed that the death toll has risen to 16, after one of the two previously missing persons was found on Thursday (Sept 11). One person remains unaccounted for.
Breakdown of the fatalities:
- Denpasar: 10
- Gianyar: 3
- Jembrana: 2
- Badung: 1
Landslides were also reported in 18 locations: 12 in Karangasem, 5 in Gianyar, and 1 in Badung. At least 562 residentswere displaced and are currently sheltering in temporary evacuation sites such as schools, prayer rooms, village halls, and emergency tents.
Real Solutions to Flooding
During his dialogue with residents from the heavily impacted Jalan Siulan area, Gibran heard complaints regarding environmentally negligent development projects and poor drainage systems.
According to CNN Indonesia, “We really need a long-term solution to this. Please consult the experts — the water source is known, but there’s only one culvert. We need real answers going forward,” said one evacuee.
Denpasar Mayor Jaya Negara responded by stating that drainage improvements had already been carried out but that garbage and even a vehicle blocking the canal made the situation worse.
“We’ve made drainage repairs along the river, but one car got stuck in the canal, and the trash piled up. That caused the blockage. Even with improved drains, the water volume was extreme,” he explained.
Stimulus for Damaged Homes
BNPB reported that water levels have started to recede in most areas, and the current focus is on locating the last missing person, cleaning up debris, and pumping water — including from the basement of Badung Market.
Emergency aid distributed includes:
- 200 blankets
- 200 mattresses
- 300 food packages
- 50 family tents
- 2 large evacuation tents
- 1 motorized inflatable boat
- 3 water pumps
BNPB also confirmed the government would provide financial stimulus for residents whose homes were damaged — whether lightly, moderately, or severely — by the disaster.
“Conditions in Bali are gradually returning to normal and are under control,” said Abdul Muhari, Head of BNPB’s Disaster Data and Information Center.
Global Media React to Bali Floods
The flooding disaster drew international attention. The Guardian (UK) published an article titled “Six Dead in Bali as Flash Floods Inundate Popular Tourist Destination”, highlighting how the flooding paralyzed roads and disrupted tourism.
According to CNBC Indonesia, “Floods on Indonesia’s tourist island of Bali have killed at least six people this week and shut down major roads in the capital, disrupting the popular travel destination,” the article reported.
Sydney Morning Herald (Australia) also covered the disaster in its report titled “‘Highest we have witnessed’: Bali inundated by deadly flash floods”, blaming clogged drains for the severity of the floodwaters.
“Combined with drains clogged with garbage, the rainfall on Tuesday night through Wednesday turned rivers and canals into torrents that toppled buildings and caused traffic chaos,” it reported. The Australian government has also offered consular support for its citizens affected by the disaster, noting that Bali remains a favorite holiday destination for Australians.
Sources: Kompas.com, Antaranews, CNN Indonesia, CNBC Indonesia
Feat Image: via AntaraNews/Dewa Ketut Sudiarta Wiguna