Bali proposes cross-regency fire and rescue network

Denpasar — Bali provincial officials on Sept. 30 urged the creation of a cross-regency and cross-sector network for firefighting and rescue operations in Bali.

Why it matters: If formalised, the network would allow fire and rescue personnel and equipment to be mobilised across Bali when a local area lacks sufficient capacity, with establishment targeted by December 2026.

Deputy Governor I Nyoman Giri Prasta made the call at a provincial coordination meeting on fire response and rescue at the Wiswa Sabha Utama building at the Bali governor’s office, according to RRI and NusaBali.

The proposed Samasta Raksa Bali network would connect provincial and regency governments with the military, police, state-owned enterprises, businesses, managers of strategic areas and other organisations. Its purpose is to allow personnel and equipment to be mobilised from another area when local capacity is insufficient.

Giri Prasta said the initiative would strengthen existing institutions rather than create new authority or take over their responsibilities, RRI reported. The approach is based on the principle that fires and other emergencies are not limited by administrative boundaries.

Five measures proposed

RRI reported that officials identified five initial measures: mapping available personnel, vehicles, equipment and technical capabilities; establishing cross-area and cross-sector mobilisation procedures; preparing cooperation agreements; drafting shared operating procedures; and strengthening prevention, joint exercises, simulations and personnel training.

The network is also intended to improve compliance with fire-management-area service standards, which include a response time of less than 15 minutes and a maximum service distance of 7.5 kilometres, RRI reported.

NusaBali reported that the network was targeted for formal establishment by December 2026. The outlet also reported that officials were seeking cooperation agreements and shared operating procedures covering coordination, communication, personnel mobilisation and equipment support.

The proposal follows previous incidents in which assistance was provided across regency boundaries, including support from Denpasar, Badung, Gianyar and Tabanan during a landfill fire, according to NusaBali.

Sources

• RRI
• NusaBali
• Bali Post