DENPASAR, DEWATA.NEWS – Bali officials have confirmed that tourism activities will continue during the Christmas and New Year period, even as the island is categorized as a high-risk area for extreme rainfall.
Bali Regional Secretary Dewa Made Indra stated that maintaining a stable tourism environment remains a priority. “Bali is always ready. Tourism is the locomotive of our economy. It keeps our economy moving, so we must work together to keep it sustainable and create a conducive atmosphere,” he said during the Provincial Disaster Preparedness Roll Call in Renon on Tuesday, 2 December.
At the same event, the Head of Bali Search and Rescue Agency (Basarnas), Nyoman Sidakarya, outlined preparations to anticipate hydrometeorological hazards, including floods and maritime incidents. Key locations under heightened readiness include major ports such as Gilimanuk, Padang Bai, Celukan Bawang, and Sanur, which currently sees high traffic from travelers heading to Nusa Penida.
“For marine tourism, all personnel will be on standby in each tourist area. Our sea and coastal units are prepared to handle emergencies. We coordinate closely with related stakeholders such as beach lifeguards, BPBD, and security forces,” Sidakarya said. He also reminded tourists engaging in water activities to prioritize safety.
Personnel will be stationed at multiple popular destinations to prepare for worst-case scenarios. “We cannot determine specific crowd points because Bali is vast, but areas like Kuta, South Kuta, Pandawa, Melasti, and Sanur are among our main focuses,” he added.
Meanwhile, the Head of Bali’s Disaster Management Agency (BPBD), I Gede Agung Teja Bhusana Yadnya, said potential impacts of extreme weather include flooding, landslides, and fallen trees. Prevention measures are underway along tourism corridors, transport routes, and areas with steep terrain.
He emphasized that landslide risks are not limited to mountainous zones. “Slope levels do not only apply to mountains. Even in Denpasar there is potential for landslides, such as the one earlier this year in Ubung. Through the Inaris application, each area can identify its own hazard profile,” he explained.
BPBD has identified 14 types of potential disasters across Bali, with nine categorized as high-risk. No area is completely free from hazards.
“There is no place in Bali that is 100 percent disaster-free. Some areas face two or three types of risks, others five, and some even ten. What matters most is preparedness,” Teja concluded.