BADUNG – The violent altercation between security guards at Finns Beach Club and an Australian national, identified as MR (28), has taken a new turn as police officially name eight security guards as suspects.
Eight Security Guards Face Charges Over Assault on Australian Tourist
Bali Police Public Relations Chief, Kombes Ariasandy, confirmed that the decision was based on witness testimonies and CCTV footage from the scene.
“After examining the witnesses and reviewing the video footage, we have determined that eight individuals should be named as suspects,” Ariasandy said on Tuesday (18/2).
The suspects have not yet been detained, but they are facing charges under Article 170 of the Indonesian Penal Code (KUHP) for assault, which carries a maximum sentence of 5.5 years in prison.
“No arrest warrant has been issued yet, but we are moving in that direction. A case review will be conducted first,” he added.
Australian Tourist Also Named a Suspect
In a related development, one of the security guards, identified as KBYF, has filed a counter-complaint against MR for assault. As a result, MR has also been named a suspect and taken into custody.
MR is being charged under Article 351, Paragraph 2 of the Indonesian Penal Code, which states, “If the act results in serious injuries, the offender is liable to a prison sentence of up to five years.”
Viral Video Shows Brutal Brawl
A video of the attack circulated widely on social media on Wednesday (12/2), showing three foreign nationals striking a security guard with a metal pole. The other security personnel retaliated by using wooden sticks against the foreigners.
The brawl resulted in serious injuries to multiple security guards. KBYF suffered a broken lower tooth, a bleeding nose, and a head wound. GDW sustained swelling on his left ear and cheek. LR suffered bite marks on his left hand and abrasions on his right elbow, while GNAS was left with bruises on his right cheek.
Incident Sparked by Alleged Assault on Female Guest
According to Finns Beach Club management, the altercation began when one of the foreign nationals allegedly choked a woman who was seated on a sofa at the club around 9:40 PM WITA on Tuesday (11/2). Security intervened and escorted the tourist out of the venue for causing a disturbance.
However, the situation escalated when the ejected tourist called four of his friends, who then attacked the security personnel, leaving them battered and bruised.
Authorities continue to investigate the incident as concerns grow over the rise in violent incidents involving foreign tourists in Bali.