107th Fire Service Anniversary: Klungkung Yet to Establish Independent Damkarmat OPD
The Klungkung Regency Government has yet to fulfil the Ministry of Home Affairs’ directive to establish an independent Fire and Rescue Service (Damkarmat). This obligation has been enshrined for five years in Ministry of Home Affairs Regulation Number 16 of 2020 on Guidelines for the Nomenclature of Provincial and Regency/City Damkarmat.
At the 107th anniversary of the fire service, which falls on Wednesday (6/5/2026), the Ministry of Home Affairs reiterated to local governments the urgency of forming independent Damkarmat units. This means no longer integrating them with the Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD) or the Civil Service Police Unit (Satpol PP), as is still the case in Klungkung.
Regarding this matter, the Head of the Civil Service Police Unit and Fire Service (PMK) of Klungkung, Dewa Putu Suarbawa, explained that efforts to establish it have been underway since 2019. At that time, they had already drafted a Regional Regulation (Perda) on the formation of Damkarmat Klungkung.
“It has reached the stage of forming the Perda. However, it was hindered by COVID-19 at the time. So, it has not been followed up until now,” Suarbawa clarified when met by detikBali after the 107th Fire Service Anniversary roll call at the back courtyard of the Klungkung Regent’s Office.
According to him, there are no technical obstacles in separating the Civil Service Police Unit and the fire service. On the other hand, it is indeed needed given the fairly frequent fire incidents in the Klungkung area.
“Although not as large as in other regions. Fire incidents here are moderate, because Klungkung itself is a small area. But our focus is on Nusa Penida,” he explained.
In addition, Suarbawa revealed challenges with insufficient fleets, particularly in Nusa Penida. “We have four vehicles on the mainland, whereas in Nusa Penida, only one unit. This is also what we are working on. Lastly, we will receive assistance from one company’s CSR in the form of a three-wheeled fire truck and firefighting equipment for Nusa Penida,” he added.
At the same location, Klungkung Regent I Made Satria affirmed that he will strive to form Damkarmat this year. At the very least, the draft formation in the form of a Perda will be worked on this year to be executed next year.
“Of course, the directive and instruction from the Ministry of Home Affairs is our concern. We will start discussing it this year 2026, perhaps at the latest in 2027, hopefully we can realise it,” Satria hoped.
In addition to following up on the Ministry of Home Affairs’ directive, Satria also emphasised the importance of the welfare of fire and rescue personnel. As well as guarantees for their employment.
“We know that the personnel in Damkarmat have high risks in their work. Therefore, we ensure health and employment guarantees. As well as their allowances,” he concluded.