Bali Lawmaker Says Rules May Restrict Disaster Fund Use

Denpasar — Bali lawmaker I Nyoman Suwirta said on Tuesday, Sept. 8, 2026, that Ministry of Home Affairs rules may limit the use of unexpected expenditure funds, known in Indonesia as BTT, during disasters in regencies and municipalities.

Suwirta, who chairs Commission IV of the Bali provincial legislature, said the rules also constrain the province’s ability to help local administrations directly during emergencies, according to IDN Times and Tribun Bali. He said the regulations should be revised so emergency financing can respond more effectively to conditions on the ground.

As a short-term alternative, Suwirta proposed using corporate social responsibility funding from companies such as the provincial development bank, or BPD, and state utility PLN to support disaster early-warning systems in Bali. He did not specify the size, duration or legal structure of any such contribution, and neither outlet reported any commitment from the companies.

The same meeting also focused on staffing at Bali’s Regional Disaster Management Agency, or BPBD. Suwirta said the agency has lost personnel through retirement without replacement and that its staffing request had been submitted for consideration in the 2027 formation process, according to the reports.

He urged the National Civil Service Agency and the Administrative and Bureaucratic Reform Ministry to take BPBD’s needs into account and avoid reducing posts sought on operational grounds before they are filled. Neither report gave a total number of vacancies, the current BPBD workforce size or the proposed 2027 staffing figure.

The discussion came as Bali officials continue to review disaster-preparedness funding and staffing ahead of the rainy season, with lawmakers pressing for more flexible emergency financing and stronger early-warning capacity.

Sources

• IDN Times Bali
• Tribun Bali