September 17, 2025 | 03:02 pm
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The massive flood that struck Bali on September 10, 2025, was not just a natural disaster. According to the Indonesian Forum for the Environment (Walhi), the tragedy was closely tied to unchecked land use changes driven by rapid development.
Environmental groups warn that the Island of the Gods has exceeded its water and land carrying capacity, leaving it increasingly prone to extreme floods. Here’s what you need to know.
What Triggered the Floods?
Walhi Bali Executive Director Made Krisna Dinata said the large-scale conversion of paddy fields into buildings and other infrastructure has altered the natural landscape, reducing the land’s ability to absorb and regulate water.
Between 2018 and 2023, four regencies (Denpasar, Badung, Gianyar, and Tabanan saw significant farmland loss. These areas make up the Sarbagita region, Bali’s urban and tourism hub.
Denpasar lost 784.67 hectares of paddy fields, equivalent to 6.23 percent of its area. In Badung, the reduction reached 1,099.67 hectares, while Gianyar lost 1,276.97 hectares. The largest decline occurred in Tabanan, which saw 2,676.61 hectares of farmland converted.
Why Is Paddy Land So Important?
Paddy fields are more than just farmland. They play a vital role in Bali’s traditional Subak irrigation system, which regulates water flow across the island. Krisna explained that one hectare of paddy fields can hold up to 3,000 tons of water when the water level is seven centimeters.
When farmland is paved over for buildings, this natural water storage capacity disappears. The result is excess rainwater flowing directly into rivers and low-lying areas, fueling floods.
How Tourism and Urbanization Made It Worse
A decade-long study of Badung Regency, which sits in the upstream and midstream of the Badung River Basin, revealed rapid urbanization between 2010 and 2020. Built-up areas expanded quickly due to tourism infrastructure and housing projects supporting Denpasar.
At the same time, paddy fields and mixed gardens shrank, reducing the land’s ability to absorb rainwater.
This shift has led to higher water overflow during storms, faster and stronger peak discharges in rivers, and declining infiltration as concrete and asphalt surfaces replaced permeable soil. As population density increases, Krisna warned, the risk of sudden downstream flooding grows even more severe.
Walhi also noted that development projects are increasingly built along river borders, areas that should be protected. This not only worsens flooding but also raises the risk of casualties when rivers overflow.
Bali’s floods are a stark reminder of the island’s fragile balance between nature and development. As agricultural land continues to vanish under concrete, the natural systems that once protected communities are breaking down, leaving the island more exposed to disaster.
Editor’s Choice: Thousands of Police Deployed to Secure Anti-Police Reform Demonstration in Jakarta
Click here to get the latest news updates from Tempo on Google News
The Specter of the Destruction of Komodo
5 menit lalu
The environment of Padar Island in Komodo National Park is threatened with destruction because of the development of super premium tourist facilities.
Bali Police Name 14 Suspects in August Riot
5 jam lalu
The police headquarters in several regions have become targets of vandalism following the recent riots in Jakarta at the end of August.
Adventure Tourism in Indonesia Gains Global Popularity
22 jam lalu
The trend of adventure tourism has emerged as travelers seek not only entertainment but also experiences.
List of 36 International Airports in Indonesia, from Aceh to Papua
23 jam lalu
The Ministry of Transportation has designated 36 public airports in Indonesia as international airports in response to the instructions of President Prabowo Subianto.
Top 10 Most Visited Cities in the World: Kuala Lumpur Makes the List
2 hari lalu
Discover the most visited cities in the world, from Bangkok's vibrant nightlife to Paris's timeless charm. Let's explore these top travel spots.
Australia: Climate Report Reveals Rising Oceans Threat
2 hari lalu
Millions of Australians are facing dire consequences caused by climate change, a landmark report has revealed.
Philippines Forms Independent Commission to Probe Flood Control Scandal
3 hari lalu
Article about the appointment of the first member of an independent commission to investigate a widespread corruption scandal related to fake flood control projects in the Philippines
Bali Flood Update: Governor Wayan Koster Claims Situation is Now Under Control
3 hari lalu
Bali Governor Wayan Koster stated that his office is currently assessing the losses suffered by flood victims in Bali.
Prabowo Inspects Bali Floods After Qatar Visit
4 hari lalu
The presidential plane carrying Prabowo landed at Bali's I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport at 11:15 a.m. WIB.
BMKG on Bali Floods: Extreme Rainfall, Environmental Factors Exacerbate Disaster
4 hari lalu
BMKG found that Bali floods were also triggered by a mix of hydrometeorological factors and inadequate environmental and infrastructure conditions.
