Eyewitness News – DENPASAR
September 12, 2026
Bali Governor I Wayan Koster received an audience with the Bali branch of the Indonesian Veterinary Medical Association (PDHI) at Jayasabha, Denpasar, on Friday (11/9). The meeting focused on strengthening multi-stakeholder collaboration to accelerate rabies prevention and control efforts across Bali.
During the meeting, PDHI Bali presented several collaborative initiatives aimed at supporting the “Rabies-Free Bali 2030” target. These efforts include enhancing public education, expanding rabies vaccination for rabies-transmitting animals, and controlling stray or feral animal populations through humane sterilization programs.
​Wayan Koster welcomed the plan, emphasizing the critical role of community participation in combating rabies. He stated that rabies control cannot rely solely on the government or veterinary professionals; it demands shared awareness and responsibility, particularly from dog owners.
The governor urged for more massive, sustained educational campaigns. He stressed that pet ownership extends beyond feeding and basic care to ensuring animal health, timely vaccinations, reproductive control, and safety to prevent public health risks.
​He also voiced support for the upcoming World Rabies Day (WRD) 2026 observance as a strategic momentum to raise public awareness about rabies risks while advocating for animal health and welfare.
The 2026 World Rabies Day commemoration is scheduled for September 27, 2026, at Bajra Sandhi Field, Renon, Denpasar. The event will feature free sterilizations for stray dogs, free rabies vaccinations, a Pet Fun Walk, a Healthy Dog Competition, a Dog Eating Contest, and various interactive educational activities.
Governor Koster invited the public to participate in the event and join the collective movement to sever the chain of rabies transmission in Bali. He reinforced that prevention must start within households and local communities through responsible pet ownership.
Furthermore, residents are urged not to ignore bites from dogs or other potential rabies vectors. In the event of a bite, victims must seek immediate medical attention and report the incident to authorities. Prompt action and risk recognition remain key to preventing rabies fatalities.
Concurrently, dog owners in Bali are expected to ensure their pets receive regular rabies vaccinations, avoid letting them roam freely, and opt for sterilization to help control the population.
Collaboration among the government, PDHI, veterinary professionals, animal welfare communities, and the public is seen as a vital force in accelerating rabies control. This synergy is expected to yield a more integrated, inclusive, and impactful strategy for public safety in Bali.
​Reporter: Daniel Herry
