Pelaga Landslide Raises Safety Concerns Over Bali’s Nature-Based Tourism Destinations

BALI – What happens when extreme rainfall turns a nature-based tourism destination into a disaster zone? This question is now facing authorities in Bali following a landslide at Eco Park Pelaga Glamping Retreat in Pelaga Village, Petang District, Badung Regency.

Bali Deputy Governor I Nyoman Giri Prasta, accompanied by Badung Regent I Wayan Adi Arnawa and Badung Regional Legislative Council (DPRD) member Made Bima Nata, visited the disaster site on Monday (November 2, 2026), to inspect emergency response efforts and ensure that the search for two missing people was being carried out effectively.

The landslide, triggered by heavy rainfall, sent soil and a powerful flow of water into the tourism accommodation area, causing serious damage and leaving two people reportedly missing.

During the inspection, Giri Prasta emphasized that saving human lives must remain the government's highest priority in responding to the disaster.

"Whenever we are dealing with a disaster, the humanitarian aspect must come first. According to the management's report, two people remain missing following the landslide. That is why we are here with all relevant teams to ensure that search operations are carried out as effectively as possible," he said.

Joint Rescue Teams Search from Landslide Site to Downstream Areas

The search operation involves a joint team comprising the National Search and Rescue Agency (Basarnas), Bali Provincial Disaster Management Agency (BPBD), Badung Regency BPBD, Indonesian National Police, Mobile Brigade Corps (Brimob), and the Indonesian Military (TNI).

Since Monday morning, rescue personnel have been searching around the landslide site and extending their efforts downstream in an attempt to locate the two missing victims.

Authorities have also taken steps to regulate water flow by closing a weir in the northern section of the area. The measure is intended to improve operational safety and facilitate the removal of landslide debris.

Giri Prasta explained that the initial search would focus on areas buried under landslide material. If the victims are not found, search teams will continue sweeping along the waterway, starting from downstream areas and moving toward the disaster site.

"We hope both victims can be found as soon as possible and in safe condition. Regardless of the circumstances, the teams are prepared and will continue their search efforts," he said.

Regarding the duration of the operation, Giri Prasta stated that the search would follow established procedures. An evaluation would be conducted after seven days, taking into account field conditions, search developments, and requests from the victims' families.

He also praised the efforts of rescue personnel and local residents while warning of the possibility of further landslides, given the continuing weather and hazardous terrain conditions.

Badung Regent Calls for Safety Review of Nature-Based Tourism Areas

Badung Regent I Wayan Adi Arnawa expressed his concern over the disaster, stressing that the incident should serve as an important lesson for tourism development, particularly in northern Badung.

He said nature-based tourism and agrotourism developments must take environmental conditions and disaster risks into account, ensuring the safety of tourists, employees, and surrounding communities.

According to Adi Arnawa, the government will conduct a review of the affected area, including its environmental conditions, site safety, and preparedness measures for extreme weather and potential disasters.

"Following this incident, we will certainly evaluate the conditions on the ground. We do not want an incident like this to happen again, even if the licensing requirements and procedures have been fulfilled. An evaluation is still necessary to prevent further casualties, both at this location and elsewhere in Badung," he said.

The Regent emphasized that compliance with licensing requirements alone should not be the only consideration in developing tourism facilities in environmentally sensitive areas.

Safety assessments, environmental conditions, and disaster preparedness must also become essential parts of tourism management.

He also expressed appreciation for the cooperation between Basarnas, BPBD, the military, police, and other parties involved in the emergency response.

Bali and Badung Governments Strengthen Disaster Mitigation Coordination

The inspection also highlighted the importance of coordination between government institutions and emergency response agencies, not only to locate missing victims but also to prevent additional casualties.

The Bali Provincial Government and Badung Regency Government have pledged to support emergency response operations while strengthening disaster mitigation efforts, particularly in areas vulnerable to landslides.

Beyond the immediate search operation, authorities are also encouraging stronger safety supervision and preparedness measures at nature-based tourism destinations.

The Pelaga landslide serves as a reminder that tourism development must go hand in hand with environmental protection and disaster risk management.

As Bali continues to develop its nature-based tourism sector, the safety of visitors, workers, and local communities must remain a fundamental consideration.

For now, the immediate priority remains clear: finding the two missing people and ensuring that rescue personnel can continue their work safely.