Eyewitness – JIMBARAN
The Denpasar Search and Rescue (SAR) Office hosted a visiting delegation from the Pacific Alliance on Wednesday (22/07/2026). Organized in collaboration with the State Secretariat, the National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB), and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the visit formed a key part of the “Indonesia-Pacific Alliance Workshop on Disaster Resilient Tourism Destinations.”
The event offered delegates a firsthand look at Bali’s disaster risk management strategies and sustainable tourism practices.
Established in 2011 by Chile, Colombia, Mexico, and Peru, the Pacific Alliance is a pragmatic economic integration bloc. Eleven representatives from the four member states attended the site visit at the Denpasar SAR Office.
Initiated by the State Secretariat alongside the BNPB, the workshop centered on sharing best practices to build disaster-resilient tourist destinations. Bali was selected as the host region for its strong readiness and proven track record in disaster management.
The delegation was warmly received by the Head of the Denpasar Search and Rescue Office, I Nyoman Sidakarya, accompanied by his senior staff. The session opened with remarks from Sidakarya, followed by welcoming addresses from representatives of the Bureau of Foreign Technical Cooperation (Setneg) and the Directorate of Inter-Regional Cooperation of the Americas (Ministry of Foreign Affairs).
Presentations and video footage highlighting SAR operations and training exercises drew praise from the international delegates. Ministry of Foreign Affairs representatives expressed pride in the Denpasar SAR team for demonstrating high-level operational capabilities to the Pacific Alliance representatives.
During the Q&A session, delegates actively inquired about emergency response protocols in high-risk environments across Bali, particularly natural tourist spots such as mountains, beaches, and aquatic sites.
Discussions also highlighted coordination mechanisms between SAR teams, local stakeholders, and volunteers during critical situations.
Following the discussion, delegates inspected land-based SAR equipment and assets before witnessing a high-angle rescue simulation at the Bayusuta Building tower inside the Denpasar SAR complex. The drill involved 10 rescuers: two personnel lowered themselves to reach the victim using specialized lowering techniques, while the remaining crew operated a mechanical system to hoist the rescuers and the victim back to safety.
The successful demonstration drew enthusiastic applause from the audience. Demonstrating high interest in local operational procedures, two foreign delegates participated in testing the lowering equipment firsthand. The exercise concluded safely and without incident, followed by a joint photo session and a networking reception.
Reporter: Daniel Herry
