Denpasar Warns Sensitive Groups After AQI Reaches 113

Denpasar — Air quality briefly reached an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 113 on Wednesday, Oct. 21, 2026, a level classified as unhealthy for sensitive groups, prompting an advisory to limit outdoor activity if conditions worsened.

The advisory was issued as Denpasar monitored a spell of dry weather and high temperatures. A.A. Surya Kencana, secretary of the Denpasar Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD), said children, older people and residents with respiratory or heart conditions were more vulnerable to pollution.

For foreign residents and visitors, the notice does not impose a citywide restriction or require people generally to remain indoors. It identifies groups most likely to experience effects when pollution rises and says they should reduce time spent outdoors if air quality deteriorates. The guidance applies to people in Denpasar regardless of nationality.

Why the Denpasar advisory matters

An AQI of 113 falls within the range considered unhealthy for sensitive groups. That means the general public may not face the same level of risk, while children, older adults and people with lung, breathing or heart problems may be more affected. The local BPBD also said people should pay attention to symptoms associated with exposure, including shortness of breath, coughing or eye irritation.

Separate reporting by the Bali Provincial BPBD said smoke from forest and land fires in Kalimantan had not been observed entering Bali. The agency said the source of Denpasar’s lower air quality remained a matter for the Bali Environmental Agency to examine, with local emissions from vehicles and power-generation activity identified as possible contributors.

The reports do not state that authorities ordered a closure, evacuation or fixed timetable for the advisory. Instead, they call for continued monitoring and reduced outdoor activity for sensitive groups if conditions worsen.

Sources

• Bali Post — regional news report
• VIVA — national news report
• airindex.today