New Year’s Eve is just a matter of hours away, and Bali Police have issued major updates about this year’s celebrations.
With Indonesia experiencing some of the worst flooding in living memory across parts of Sumatra, the country will be joining together in a moment of national grief and empathy, and will be muting New Year’s Eve celebrations this year.
Denpasar Police have confirmed that they have firmly prohibited the issuance of permits for fireworks displays on New Year’s Eve.
The policy has been put in place following orders from National Police Chief, General Listyo Sigit Prabowo, who has called for all regional police units to prevent fireworks displays over the New Year to honour the collective mourning for the tragedies faced across Sumatra in the wake of flooding earlier this month that has left millions of people displaced and claimed the lives of thousands of people.
General Prabowo explained, “We are not recommending the use of year-end fireworks because we understand that everyone is facing the same situation, and we are praying for our brothers and sisters affected by the disaster in Sumatra.”
The Head of Public Relations of the Denpasar Police, Police Commissioner I Ketut Sukadi, told reporters, “It is clear in the TR (Telegram Letter) that fireworks displays are not recommended or permitted because the situation is still in mourning. But what is clear is that the appeal from the Chief of Police is non-negotiable.”
Event venues and party organisers who have already had their permits issued are being asked not to go ahead with fireworks displays as planned.
Police Commissioner Sukadi explained, “Those who have already issued permits must immediately cancel them. Regarding the permits (the number of permits issued for fireworks), we haven’t yet obtained the data; it’s at the Intelligence and Security Unit.” This goes for personal displays and those organised by businesses.
The orders from the Indonesian National Police have received backing from regency leaders in Bali and the Tourism Office.
The Head of the Badung Tourism Office, I Nyoman Rudiarta, told reporters, “Please enjoy New Year’s celebrations with your family or community, but always prioritize safety, order, and comfort for all.”
As hosts of one of the biggest New Year’s Eve parties in Bali, the GWK Cultural Park has confirmed how they will be adjusting their event to honour the situation in Sumatra.
In a press statement, GWK Cultural Park shared, “As a show of empathy and solidarity with our brothers and sisters affected by natural disasters in several areas, the fireworks display during the New Year’s Eve celebrations will be canceled. The GWK Bali Countdown 2026 series of events will still be held, with a communal prayer.”
Those who already have tickets are encouraged to still attend, as a full program of events will still be going ahead; all tickets are non-refundable. GWK added, “This program adjustment does not cancel the entire event, as the main entertainment lineup will continue.”
The traditional fireworks display that is hosted at Kuta Beach has also been confirmed to be cancelled, though events will still be happening on the beachfront throughout New Year’s Eve.
The Kuta Traditional Village Head Komang Alit Ardana told reporters, “We from the village have distributed a circular to prohibit the explosion of fireworks and firecrackers in the Kuta area, including the beach. We also prohibit selling them.”
Though he added, “There’s no fireworks display at Kuta Beach. Only the Discovery Kartika Plaza Hotel applied for permission, and we suggested they only set off at 12:00 a.m. WITA. I only allowed them to set off for five minutes. And I limited it. We should be concerned about our nation’s situation.”
Ardhana has also called on local tourist accommodation managers and local residents to replace fireworks displays with communal prayers throughout New Year’s Eve and as the clock strikes midnight.
Discover more from The Bali Sun
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.