Hey Bali – Bali Flood Relief. One minute it’s endless sunshine and perfect waves, the next, the skies open up and remind us just how powerful nature can be. While we often chat about the best new cafes or hidden beach clubs, today we’re talking about something that truly matters: community.
Last week, parts of Denpasar faced a real challenge. The heavy rains that lashed the island on September 10th led to significant flooding, turning streets into rivers and leaving many residents in the Kesiman area, particularly Banjar Kebonkuri Kelod, in a tough spot.
But here’s the beautiful part—the story that unfolds after the water starts to recede. It’s a story of people helping people.
From Jakarta to Bali: A Swift Current of Support
In true gotong royong spirit, a wave of support arrived this past Sunday, September 14th. The Jakarta-based Yayasan Sungai Kasih (The River of Love Foundation), in a powerful collaboration with the Bali Chapter of the Online Journalists Association (IWO Bali), rolled up their sleeves and delivered crucial aid right where it was needed most.
They didn’t just send thoughts and prayers; they arrived with 200 packages of essential supplies, each containing 5kg of rice and nutritious biscuits. This kind of direct, tangible Bali flood relief is exactly what makes a difference in the immediate aftermath of a disaster.
More Than Just a Package: The Strategy of Kindness – Bali Flood Relief
What’s impressive is the thought behind the action. Kendrick Sumolang, head of Disaster Response for Yayasan Sungai Kasih, explained that they waited for the initial emergency response to settle before arriving, ensuring their help was timely and coordinated with the local emergency status, which runs until September 17th.
And in a move we can all appreciate (because nobody likes a chaotic queue, especially after a flood), they distributed coupons a day earlier. This simple system ensured the aid distribution was orderly, respectful, and reached the intended families efficiently. It’s kindness, but with a well-organized plan!
The Heart Behind the Help: Why a “River of Love”?
The foundation’s name is poetic for a reason. “A river flows continuously,” Kendrick shared, “and similarly, we hope our care and assistance can continuously flow to those in need across Indonesia.”
Chaired by Priskila Linda, Yayasan Sungai Kasih focuses on two main missions: providing free education for children in remote regions and, as we saw in Denpasar, disaster response. Their work is a powerful reminder that compassion knows no geographical boundaries.
The Local Perspective: On the Ground in Kebonkuri Kelod
While the aid was vital, it also highlighted the ongoing struggles. Nyoman Bagus Mardika, the local head of Banjar Kebonkuri Kelod, shared the sobering reality for his community of roughly 300 families.
“The ground here is the lowest point, and the drainage isn’t optimal,” he explained. The result was more than just inconvenient puddles. Homes were inundated, and residents suffered significant losses—from mattresses and motorbikes to washing machines and even laptops. With over 50 reports filed and counting, the path to recovery is just beginning.
Mardika expressed deep gratitude for the timely intervention. “This aid is a tremendous help. Our residents genuinely need this support right now.”
The Takeaway: Bali’s Spirit Runs Deeper Than Water
This story isn’t really about flooding. It’s about the response. It’s about organizations like Yayasan Sungai Kasih and IWO Bali acting as a catalyst for hope. But most importantly, it’s a nudge for all of us—expats, tourists, and locals alike.
It’s a reminder to be mindful of our waste, to support our local communities, and to remember that the famous Balinese spirit of togetherness isn’t just for ceremonies and celebrations. It’s for the rainy days, too. Literally.
So, let’s keep that river of love flowing, Bali.
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