Media Release
24 October 2025
The Australia-Indonesia Partnership for Disaster Risk Management (SIAP SIAGA) together with Bali Provincial Government, and Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD) jointly launched the Disability Service Unit for Disaster Management today. The Disability Service Unit is designed to ensure disaster management recognises people with disabilities as indispensable partners whose insights and experiences are key to creating resilient communities.
The Disability Service Unit will integrate disability inclusion into every aspect of disaster management—from planning and preparedness to response and recovery—ensuring rights-based, participatory decision-making at every level.
“We are pleased to launch the Disability Service Unit for Disaster Management to ensure disability inclusion, enabling the community to be active participants in disaster mitigation,” said Australia’s acting Deputy Consul General in Bali Sophie Hanemaayer.
The establishment of the Disability Service Unit reflects the alignment of the Bali Government’s efforts with the five main pillars of inclusive disaster management, namely disaggregated data, accessibility, meaningful participation, capacity building, and protection. These pillars ensure that planning reflects diverse needs and embeds protections into budgets, operations, and oversight.
"The establishment of the Disability Service Unit reflects our unwavering commitment to building inclusive disaster management. When people with disabilities are the strategists, our plans become more effective, compassionate, and reflective of the diverse needs within our community," said Bali's Regional Secretary Dewa Made Indra. He added, "By mainstreaming disability inclusion, we are enhancing the disaster management system in Bali, and ensuring equitable access to information, response, and safety."
A public engagement component will help to highlight how inclusive disaster management enriches the lives of all Bali residents—by building safer, interconnected communities that are prepared to respond swiftly and effectively in times of crisis. Thus, ensuring that when disaster strikes, no one is left behind
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