This study discusses the importance of checks and balances in disaster management in Indonesia. The context of a disaster is one of the states of emergency conditions that provides discretionary opportunities. However, the concept of checks and balances in disaster management has not yet been constructed in the Disaster Management Law. The inclusion of a checks and balances clause in the disaster management act is very urgent due to three reasons: First, preventing abuse of power from the Government in an emergency, second, involving the central and regional legislative bodies to evaluate the emergency status within a certain period and third, to ensure accountability and transparency in governance. Using a juridical-normative approach complemented by case studies, this study examines the formula of checks and balances in disaster management in Indonesia which is expected to strengthen the rule of law even in an emergency disaster. © 2022, World Research Association. All rights reserved.