Denpasar Normalizes Rivers and Drainage at 40 Points Ahead of Rainy Season to Prevent Flooding
The Denpasar city government is carrying out river and drainage normalization work at 40 locations across the city to prevent flooding during the rainy season, with completion targeted by the end of October 2026. The work covers major rivers including Tukad Loloan, Tukad Mati, and Tukad Ayung, alongside drainage system construction at 11 additional points on public roads.
Denpasar's Public Works and Spatial Planning Agency (PUPR) is conducting river and drainage normalization work at 40 locations across the city to prepare for flooding during the rainy season. The work began about a month and a half ago and has faced challenges due to heavy sediment buildup in the rivers.
Denpasar Mayor I Gusti Ngurah Jaya Negara, inspecting the normalization work at Tukad Loloan in Sanur Kauh, said he hopes the project will help prevent flooding. Other rivers being addressed include Tukad Mati, Tukad Rangda, and Tukad Ayung. For Tukad Mati, the River Basin Agency (BWS) has deployed two wheel loaders to assist with the work.
According to PUPR head I Gede Cipta Sudewa Atmaja, flood control efforts consist of two main approaches: building new drainage systems and maintaining existing ones through dredging and river normalization. In 2026, new drainage systems are planned at 11 locations, including areas frequented by tourists and residents such as near Sanur's Duyung Beach and Sesetan.
Denpasar's drainage management is divided into five systems based on river basins—Tukad Badung, Tukad Ayung, Tukad Mati, the Renon-Panjer-Sanur-Sidakarya area, and Pemogan—each with tailored flood mitigation strategies. The city aims to complete all work by the end of October, ahead of increased water volumes expected during the rainy season.
Things to Consider
If visiting or living in Denpasar during the rainy season (roughly November to March), expect temporary lane closures or uneven road surfaces near construction areas such as Sanur, Renon, and Sidakarya. Travelers staying near low-lying areas along Tukad Mati or Tukad Ayung should check local weather forecasts and BMKG flood warnings before heavy rain, and avoid parking vehicles in flood-prone zones near these rivers.
Source: ANTARA News Bali