Moved by Compassion, Ketut Sudiarsa Distributes 1,000 Meal Packages to Residents Queuing for Fuel in Bali

Ketut Sudiarsa distributes 1,000 packed meals and 30 boxes of mineral water to residents enduring long fuel queues in Denpasar, calling on Bali’s provincial government to address distribution problems and support affected communities.

DENPASAR – Amid prolonged fuel queues and growing difficulties for residents seeking petrol, Bali tourism figure Ketut Sudiarsa has taken a direct approach to helping people cope with the situation by distributing food and drinking water to motorists waiting at petrol stations in the Renon area of Denpasar.

On Wednesday, October 14, 2026, Sudiarsa was seen approaching residents who had spent hours waiting under the scorching sun for their vehicles to be refuelled. He handed out packed meals and bottled mineral water to ease their discomfort while they waited in line.

Born in 1972 in Gunung Sari Village, Seririt District, Buleleng Regency, Sudiarsa said the initiative was driven by concern for fellow Balinese who were struggling with the ongoing fuel shortage.

The situation has disrupted daily activities across parts of Bali, with long lines of vehicles reportedly stretching along roads around Renon and contributing to traffic congestion. Daily wage earners, casual workers and online motorcycle taxi drivers have also faced difficulties maintaining their livelihoods, as time spent searching for fuel leaves them unable to work.

Sudiarsa expressed hope that the public would receive greater attention and fair treatment as authorities work to address the situation. He said the hardship was particularly evident among residents who had to endure the heat, thirst and uncertainty of waiting for just two or three litres of fuel.

He also referred to previous public statements by the Bali Governor indicating that fuel stocks at Pertamina’s Serangan and Manggis facilities remained sufficient, while distribution problems and delays caused by traffic congestion were cited as contributing factors.

“If distribution is the main problem, I hope appropriate measures can be considered, including arranging deliveries at night, so that fuel supplies can reach petrol stations across Bali more quickly,” Sudiarsa said.

He stressed that his involvement was not intended to generate publicity or political support. Instead, he wanted to provide practical assistance to people facing an increasingly difficult situation.

“I am simply responding to what my conscience tells me to do. I have no intention of seeking popularity or votes. I just want to help ease the burden on the Balinese people,” he said.

As part of the initiative, Sudiarsa distributed 1,000 packed meals and 30 boxes of mineral water to residents queuing for fuel. He said the assistance was intended to provide some relief to motorists who had been waiting for extended periods in the heat.

Sudiarsa also drew on his own experiences of fuel shortages in other parts of Indonesia. He recalled seeing queues stretching between three and five kilometres in several locations. In Balikpapan, a city widely associated with Indonesia’s oil industry, he said vehicle queues had also reached approximately two kilometres.

“I have personally experienced running out of fuel while driving in situations like this. I understand how difficult and frustrating it can be,” he added.

Beyond providing immediate assistance, Sudiarsa urged Bali Governor Wayan Koster and the provincial administration to visit petrol stations directly, observe the conditions faced by residents and extend assistance to those in need.

He called on the authorities to prioritise resolving the distribution problems so that people could resume their normal activities without spending hours searching for fuel.

“People should not have to continue bearing the consequences of this situation. I hope the problem can be resolved soon and that residents across Bali will be able to return to their daily routines,” Sudiarsa concluded.

Editor: Ray