Bali Bombing Memorial’s Fountain Dries Up Just Days Before 24th Anniversary

The fountain at Bali’s Ground Zero Memorial in Legian has stopped operating just days before the 24th anniversary of the 2002 Bali bombings, causing frustration among foreign visitors and prompting calls for quick repairs.

Foreign visitors had already complained about the condition of the fountain two weeks earlier, according to Theolina Marpaung, coordinator of the Isana Dewata Foundation. When she visited the site on October 7, 2026, she confirmed the fountain was not operating. The issue, officials said, was due to exposed wiring inside the fountain pool.

Repairs were underway, and the lighting system had returned to normal by October 7. Water was expected to be refilled the following day. “Before the commemoration, we are targeting the Ground Zero facility to be operating again,” said Badung Tourism Office head Anak Agung Putri Mas Agung.

This is a minor inconvenience, but it highlights the need for ongoing maintenance of the memorial. As survivors’ families and international visitors prepare to converge on the site, any issues should be resolved to ensure the space remains a fitting tribute.