KUTA, Bali — Two Chinese nationals have been arrested after allegedly stealing cash from an Australian passenger’s backpack during a flight from Jakarta to Bali, with police saying another passenger caught the suspected theft on video.
The men, identified as LDJ, 31, and LZ, 28, were arrested in Kuta on Sunday, November 1, following the incident aboard Batik Air flight ID 6508.
The victim, a 22-year-old Australian identified by the initials JAPB, reported losing US$1,500, approximately Rp27 million, from a backpack stored in an overhead compartment.
Ngurah Rai Airport Police Chief I Made Hendra Agustina said the two suspects had boarded the flight with the intention of stealing valuables from other passengers.
According to police, the men booked tickets on the Jakarta–Denpasar service and sat in different seats while looking for an opportunity to steal.
Passenger Records Suspected Theft
The alleged theft occurred when the Australian passenger moved to a seat farther back in the aircraft, leaving the backpack unattended in an overhead compartment.
Police said one suspect opened the bag and took cash before concealing it beneath a black jacket.
Another passenger noticed the suspicious activity and recorded it on a mobile phone.
The aircraft landed at Bali’s I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport at around 9:40 a.m. The two suspects reportedly left the plane quickly after arrival.
The Australian passenger initially did not realize the money was missing. After receiving information about the video, the passenger checked the backpack and reported the loss to airport police.
Investigators used the recording and information about the suspects’ movements to trace them to the Kartika Plaza area of Kuta.
The two men were arrested near a restaurant at their hotel at around 5 p.m. that day.
Police said the suspects initially denied involvement but admitted taking the money after officers showed them the video.
Police Recover US$800
Although the Australian passenger reported losing US$1,500, police recovered only US$800 from a wallet belonging to one of the suspects.
The difference between the amount reported missing and the cash recovered has not been fully explained in the police statements reviewed.
Hendra said investigators were also examining whether the Australian passenger had been deliberately selected or whether the suspects took advantage of an opportunity during the flight.
Police are coordinating with immigration authorities to examine the suspects’ travel history and activities in Indonesia.
The two men have been detained and are being investigated under Indonesia’s Criminal Code provisions on aggravated theft. They could face up to seven years in prison if convicted.
Police have urged airline passengers to keep cash, passports and other valuables within sight rather than leaving them unattended in overhead compartments.
The investigation remains ongoing, and the allegations against the two suspects have not been established in court.
Disclaimer: While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, this article may contain minor inaccuracies
in names, locations, or event details. Readers are welcome to contact the editorial team for any clarification.