It's been over a week since the largest flood in Denpasar, and yet trash and debris still remained on the streets and in the yards of local residents. In order to restore the city to its former appearance, the authorities organized a large-scale cleanup campaign. The cleanup took almost two days, but now there are no more piles on the streets and markets, riverbanks have been cleared, and the authorities are moving on to the next stage: restoring infrastructure and normalizing riverbeds.
There was plenty of work to be done. Every day, 120 trucks were deployed to remove waste from the hardest-hit areas. The banks of the Tukad Badung River, the Badung Market, and the Kumbasari Market were particularly overwhelmed with trash and debris. Approximately 60 tons of waste were removed from the river each day, and the total amount of waste delivered to the Suwung landfill (TPA Suwung) reached 271 tons, which is almost twice the initial estimate of 154.65 tons.
The Mayor of Denpasar, I Gusti Ngurah Jaya Negara, noted that government officials, military, police, representatives of traditional communities (desa adat), and thousands of citizens participated in the effort. People came out with shovels, buckets, and gloves to clean their yards, streets, and markets. For many, it was more than just a cleanup; it was a symbol of returning to normal life.
"By restoring the rivers, we want the city to become even stronger. But it's crucial to remember: not throwing trash into them is everyone's responsibility," emphasized the mayor.
Deputy Mayor I Kadek Agus Arya Wibawa added that the goal of this action is not only to make the city cleaner: “When we act together, we strengthen care, a sense of community and unity in our city,” he said.
Residents confirm it's easier to work together: “A lot of my goods got soaked, but today I feel I'm not alone, everyone is helping. When we're together, it becomes easier,” said a vendor at the Badung Market.
Authorities are confident that with the cleanup completed, attention can now be focused on the full restoration of the city. Therefore, efforts are now shifting to repairing schools, medical facilities, and supporting residents. Two weeks have been allocated for this.
The recent flood could be a catalyst for historic changes in Denpasar. The disaster has highlighted vulnerable areas. For instance, the night market of Kumbasari is particularly at risk because it is located opposite the river. Relocating the trading areas to another location is being considered, which could lead to the market's closure.
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