Denpasar's Pengerupukan Night Secured by 1,200 Joint Security Personnel

Thousands of residents are expected to crowd Denpasar City during the Pengerupukan night and ogoh-ogoh parade ahead of Nyepi Day 2026. To anticipate the surge in crowds, Denpasar Police Resort has deployed approximately 1,200 personnel from various units to provide security at multiple locations, particularly in the Lapangan Puputan Badung Catur Muka area, which typically serves as the focal point during the ogoh-ogoh parade.

Denpasar Police Resort Commander Kombes Leonardo David Simatupang stated that the thousands of personnel comprise units from various sectors. “The personnel we have mobilised number approximately 1,200, consisting of the National Police, Military, Civil Police, Department of Transportation, and pecalang from customary villages, which form the primary element of customary-based security,” said Leonardo on Monday (16 March 2026).

According to him, security operations are focused on strategic locations expected to become gathering points and ogoh-ogoh parade routes. The Catur Muka area receives primary attention as it typically becomes the location for the best parade and ogoh-ogoh attractions in Denpasar City.

In addition to Catur Muka, security has been tightened at several major intersections or catus pata to regulate traffic flow and prevent congestion during the parade. Personnel are also deployed to customary village areas and banjar communities hosting local ogoh-ogoh processions.

“Tourism areas such as Sanur are also included in our security focus because there are festival events expected to attract many visitors, such as the Sanur Metangi Festival,” he said.

Denpasar Police Resort has also prepared several technical measures to support the smooth running of activities, including traffic management and road sterilisation along the ogoh-ogoh routes.

Beyond traffic regulation, officers will conduct field patrols to anticipate potential criminal activity, particularly at residents’ homes left unattended whilst watching the ogoh-ogoh parade or during Nyepi preparation.

Leonardo also urged the public to maintain order during the activities and follow instructions from officers in the field. He also reminded parade participants to refrain from consuming alcoholic beverages whilst escorting ogoh-ogoh to prevent potential friction between groups.