GIANYAR, DEWATA.NEWS – A historic banyan tree estimated to be around 300 years old collapsed during strong winds in the Puri Ubud area of Gianyar Regency on Sunday (February 15) at approximately 16:40 WITA.
Tjokorda Oka Artha Ardana Sukawati, widely known as Cok Ace and a representative of Puri Agung Ubud, said the tree was more than just a shade provider. It held deep historical and cultural significance for the local community.
“According to ancestral stories, this tree is approximately 300 years old. Its history is closely tied to the existence of Ubud, Puri Ubud, and Desa Ubud,” he told reporters on Monday (February 16).
He explained that routine maintenance had been carried out over the years by both the palace management and the Gianyar Regency Government, including regular pruning. The collapse was attributed solely to severe weather conditions.
“This was a natural event. The strong winds seem to have peaked since yesterday. We cannot control nature, but fortunately there were no casualties,” he added.
The extended family of Puri Agung Ubud plans to hold discussions with traditional elders to determine next steps, including sourcing new saplings from the fallen banyan tree for replanting.
Separately, Gianyar Police Public Relations Officer Ipda Gusti Ngurah Suardita said the incident began when a southern branch broke off and struck the boundary wall of Puri Kantor and the Queens of India restaurant.
“The fallen tree was a banyan with a diameter of approximately 3 meters and a height of around 25 meters,” he said.
Two minutes later, a northern branch also collapsed, hitting Merajan Puri Kantor, a Circle K outlet, the Arabian Knight restaurant, two cars, and three motorcycles.
The loud crashing sound startled residents and tourists in the area, with several people reportedly running for safety.
The fallen tree temporarily caused a power outage in the surrounding area and disrupted internet connectivity.
Police closed and diverted traffic to allow the Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD) to conduct clearing operations. Traffic flow resumed at around 18:45 WITA.
Head of Emergency Response at BPBD Gianyar, I Gusti Ngurah Dibya Presasta, said the state electricity company had restored power to affected households, while telecommunications technicians were working to repair internet networks.
As of Monday (February 16), approximately 60 percent of the fallen tree debris had been cleared, with cleanup operations continuing from 08:00 WITA.
Authorities said the total financial losses are still being assessed.