Police in Bali have issued updated safety advice to tourists visiting the province after a tourist robbed Tegal Wangi Street in the popular resort of Kuta.
Police have urged tourists to be mindful of their belongings and to reconsider wearing expensive jewelry while exploring the resort.
A 29-year-old tourist, known by her initials AG, was visiting Kuta last month when she was attacked by a Balinese man from Karangasem Regency.
Now that the man in question has been arrested and charged, the police were able to reveal more details about the attack which took place on 4th January 2025 at around 9 pm at night.
The Chief of Police of Kuta, AKP Agus Riwayanto Diputra, explained, “The suspect forcibly pulled a gold necklace containing a 22-carat pendant weighing 6 grams worth AUD 360, which was worn by the victim until it broke off.” The police were immediately called and an investigation was launched.
On Wednesday 10th January Bali Police successfully located the 20-year-old at a boarding house in Kuta. AKP Diputra told reporters “The perpetrator was successfully secured, with evidence of clothing and motorcycle, the perpetrator with a fake license plate and IDR 100,000 in cash.”
He revealed that the man confessed that he was engaging in crime in order to fund his day-to-day living expenses.
AKP Diputra concluded, “Tourists are urged to be careful, do not give the perpetrator a chance.” As a tourist, it is unfortunate to hear this advice. In areas like Kuta, Seminyak, Legian, Canggu, and Uluwatu, tourists are being urged to be careful while heading out to explore, especially at night.
Where possible, tourists are advised to travel by taxi or private driver, using the safety features available to them should they opt to use online ride-hailing services such as Grab, GoJek, or iDrive.
Tourists should be mindful of their surroundings, especially if walking down resort streets at night. Be mindful not to carry any high-value items where possible, and if carrying or wearing high-value items such as phones, cameras, or jewelry, keep them covered as you walk. Though these kinds of incidents are rare, they are not unheard of.
Drive-by robberies and attacks, like that experienced by AG, are reported on at least a monthly basis. Criminals riding mopeds drive past their chosen victim in one direction, eyeing up what it is they want, then circle back and grab what they can, whether that be a handbag, phone, wallet, jewelry, or camera.
It is not only tourists who are being targeted. In Saba Village in Gianyar, over the weekend, a local man was mugged by a man who threatened him with a knife on Jalan Bypass Ida Bagus Mantra in the early hours.
The incident was reported to the police and Blahbatuh Police Chief, Commissioner I Made Berata, confirmed to reporters that increased patrols of the area will now be carried out.
Kompol Berata shared We patrol every day, and this time we have increased it. We are still investigating the incident. During yesterday’s patrol, we checked everything suspicious.” He added, “We are all guarding our homeland.”
Late at night and in the early morning is when these kinds of attacks have been reported most. However, looking at trends, many of these robberies seem to be opportunistic. On 4th February, a Russian tourist had her bag stolen on Pererenan Beach in the early afternoon time.
Fortunately, since the incident was reported to local police and local security teams known as pecalang, the bag and its contents were quickly recovered and the man in question was arrested.
While Bali remains a safe and welcoming tourist destination, it is not uncommon for small waves of crime to travel through the region. This always leads to a period of stricter law enforcement and police patrols and caseloads fall. Tourists are urged to report any and all crimes to Bali Police as quickly as possible.
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