Indonesia Launches 112 Emergency Hotline Pilot in Bali

Indonesia has officially launched a pilot program for a nationwide emergency hotline, with Bali designated as the first province to implement the system. The initiative is part of the government's broader strategy to enhance public safety, particularly in a region heavily reliant on tourism.

According to Safrizal ZA, the Director General of Regional Administration at the Ministry of Home Affairs, the 112 hotline will serve both local residents and international tourists. The service is intended to handle various emergencies, including health crises, fires, natural disasters, and public disturbances. Safrizal noted that Bali is a tourist province that needs a unified emergency number to serve both the public and foreign visitors during the signing of the commitment for the Indonesia Siaga 112 program.

“Bali is a tourist province that needs a unified emergency number to serve both the public and foreign visitors.”Safrizal ZA, Director General of Regional Administration, Ministry of Home Affairs

The 112 hotline will be accessible through mobile phones and landlines at no cost, ensuring that all districts in Bali can utilize the service. The initiative also involves the Ministry of Communication and Digital Technology, which is tasked with developing the necessary technical infrastructure to integrate emergency response systems across various governmental agencies.

Ismail, the Secretary General of the Ministry of Communication and Digital Technology, highlighted the importance of creating a reliable digital infrastructure to connect different emergency services, stating that they are preparing technical schemes to integrate the emergency systems of various ministries and agencies while supporting digital infrastructure.

“We strive to ensure that every report received can be acted upon quickly, accurately, and documented properly.”I Gusti Ngurah Dibya Presasta, Head of Emergency and Logistics, BPBD Gianyar

In addition to the hotline, there are plans to develop mobile applications to facilitate access to emergency services. This approach is expected to streamline the response process and improve coordination among different agencies involved in emergency management.

The provincial government of Bali, led by Governor Wayan Koster, has expressed readiness to manage the integrated system. Koster noted that this initiative is crucial not only for local residents but also for maintaining Bali's reputation as a world-class tourist destination, stating that this is the first time he has received such a directive as governor, and it is indeed necessary for the interests of local citizens and international tourists.

“This is the first time I have received such a directive as governor, and it is indeed necessary for the interests of local citizens and international tourists.”Wayan Koster, Governor of Bali

As part of the implementation process, the provincial government is working closely with regents and mayors to enhance operational readiness. This includes establishing service points beyond the existing 57 districts on the island. The local authorities are also focusing on training personnel to operate the 24-hour call center effectively.

In Gianyar, a district in Bali, the local disaster management agency (BPBD) has already received recognition for its digital command center, which utilizes the 112 hotline. I Gusti Ngurah Dibya Presasta, the Head of Emergency and Logistics at BPBD Gianyar, emphasized the effectiveness of their integrated emergency response system, which has exceeded national performance targets. He explained that they strive to ensure that every report received can be acted upon quickly, accurately, and documented properly.