TABANAN, DEWATA.NEWS – A sudden bee attack caused panic at the Bali Botanic Garden in Bedugul, Tabanan Regency, on Thursday (8/1), leaving dozens of visitors injured and requiring medical treatment.
The incident occurred when a swarm of wild bees attacked tourists inside the garden area. Emergency response teams from the Tabanan Fire and Rescue Service (Damkar), supported by personnel from Badung Regency, were deployed to evacuate the beehive believed to be the source of the attack.
The evacuation process took approximately three hours, from 10:00 WITA to 13:00 WITA. The hive was located high on a protected tree within the Bali Botanic Garden complex.
Head of Firefighting Division IV of Tabanan Satpol PP, I Wayan Suakta, said the operation was carried out at the request of the garden’s management.
“Because the hive was located high up in a tree, water spraying using fire truck hoses was considered the safest method. The evacuation was conducted by the Tabanan Fire Service with assistance from the Badung Fire Service,” Suakta explained.
According to information from the garden’s management, at least 20 visitors were reported to have been stung during the incident. While no fatalities were recorded, several victims required hospital treatment.
“None of the victims died, but some had to receive medical care at hospitals,” Suakta added.
He further noted that the bee species involved, locally known as Dendeng Ai, is considered dangerous and can be life-threatening when attacking in groups. The rapid removal of the hive was therefore necessary to prevent further casualties.
Authorities have since secured the area and urged visitors to remain cautious, particularly in natural and forested tourist attractions where wildlife encounters may occur.