President Prabowo Visits Flood-Hit Bali, Pledges Swift Recovery and Support for Affected Communities

Jakarta, The Gulf Observer: President Prabowo Subianto visited flood-affected areas in Bali on Saturday to oversee the government’s emergency response and ensure rapid recovery measures, Cabinet Secretary Teddy Indra Wijaya confirmed.

Accompanied by Wijaya, President Prabowo inspected damaged homes and market stalls near Badung Market in Denpasar, one of the areas most severely impacted by the recent floods. He instructed Bali Governor I Wayan Koster and National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB) Chief Suharyanto to prioritize the delivery of aid and the repair of homes and small businesses.

“The government is responding swiftly to the floods across Bali,” Wijaya said in Jakarta on Sunday. “The president is ensuring that BNPB, the Public Works Ministry, the Social Affairs Ministry, and other relevant agencies are working efficiently.”

During his visit, Prabowo also spoke with affected residents, including Ni Nengah Manis, whose home sustained heavy damage, assuring them of government support for reconstruction efforts.

Torrential rains earlier in the week triggered widespread flooding across several cities and districts in Bali, damaging hundreds of structures and forcing mass evacuations. According to Governor Koster, 17 fatalities have been confirmed—11 in Denpasar, one in Badung, two in Jembrana, and three in Gianyar—while four people remain missing as search operations continue.

By Saturday, floodwaters had largely receded, and Koster reported that conditions were stable. Recovery and rebuilding operations are now in progress. He also emphasized that international tourism remains unaffected, with no reported cancellations by foreign visitors.

“Access to Ngurah Rai Airport is clear, and tourism is operating as usual,” an official said, noting that between 21,000 and 22,000 foreign visitors continue to arrive daily.

Authorities are currently assessing damages and coordinating compensation schemes. Market vendors will receive support jointly from provincial and city governments, while BNPB will cover the costs of home repairs.

Tourism Minister Widiyanti Putri Wardhana, who accompanied the president during the visit, reaffirmed that Bali remains open and safe for tourists. “Tourism is running normally, and bookings remain strong,” she stated, adding that local authorities are evaluating flood impacts and preparing compensation packages for affected residents.