Denpasar. Bali Governor Wayan Koster said the cancellation of New Year’s Eve fireworks will not deter tourists, citing rising visitor arrivals even as the island scales back celebrations in solidarity with disaster-hit regions in Sumatra.

The fireworks ban, issued in line with a directive from the national police chief, reflects what Koster described as an unusual year-end marked by floods and other disasters in parts of Aceh, West Sumatra and North Sumatra. Rather than hosting large-scale celebrations, the provincial government has urged residents and visitors to focus on disaster preparedness during the peak rainy season.

“There have been many floods, and we need to show empathy and give more serious attention to mitigation efforts,” Koster said in Denpasar on Wednesday, as quoted by state news agency Antara, adding that it would be inappropriate to hold fireworks displays under the circumstances.

Instead of the traditional fireworks celebrations that usually draw crowds across Bali’s beaches and tourism hubs, the provincial government has urged residents and visitors to focus on disaster preparedness during the peak rainy season.

“There have been many floods. We must show empathy and give more serious attention to rain mitigation efforts and the possibility of flooding,” Koster said. “In these conditions, it would feel inappropriate to hold fireworks parties.”

Despite the absence of fireworks at major festivals, tourism data suggest Bali remains one of Southeast Asia’s busiest holiday destinations at the end of the year.

According to figures from I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport, a total of 1,045,706 passengers were served during the Christmas 2025 and New Year 2026 holiday period from Dec. 15 to Dec. 29.

During the 15-day period, Bali welcomed 230,243 domestic tourists and 335,977 international visitors. Airport authorities noted that arrivals continued to increase as New Year’s Eve approached, even after organizers confirmed that fireworks displays would be canceled.

Two days before New Year’s Eve, on Monday, Dec. 29, the airport recorded 77,307 passengers, with arrivals outnumbering departures. On that day alone, domestic flights brought in 17,176 passengers, while international flights carried 23,544 arriving travelers to the island.

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