A woman died after losing control of her motorcycle while being chased by suspected pickpockets in North Kuta, Bali. The incident occurred on Jalan Pengubengan Kauh, Kerobokan Kelod Village, Badung Regency, on Saturday night, February 7, 2026.
The victim was identified as Juhaeryah Velina, 46, a resident of Saga, Balaraja District, Tangerang Regency, Banten.
She sustained severe head injuries after her motorcycle struck an electricity pole and was pronounced dead following medical examination at Garba Med Hospital in Kerobokan Kelod.
Incident Occurred During Touring Activity
North Kuta Police Chief I Ketut Agus Pasek Sudina said the accident took place at approximately 11:28 p.m. local time (WITA).
According to initial police findings, the victim was visiting Bali as part of a motorcycle touring group and was riding a Honda ADV from north to south.
“The victim was riding alone and kept a distance from the group in front and behind. It is strongly suspected the perpetrators had been stalking the victim from a distance,” Agus Pasek said as quoted by Liputan6.
Police stated that as the victim approached the location, three individuals riding a Honda Vario motorcycle came alongside her vehicle from the left. One of them attempted to seize the victim’s bag, which was hanging on the left side of her motorcycle.
A brief struggle occurred between the two motorcycles as the perpetrator tried to pull the bag. During the incident, both vehicles lost balance.
Victim Died After Being Rushed to Hospital
“During the tug-of-war, both riders fell. The victim swerved to the left, hitting the utility pole, while the perpetrators’ motorcycle swerved to the right, landing on the asphalt.
Unable to grab the victim’s bag and panicking at being caught, the perpetrators immediately fled the scene,” Agus Pasek explained.
Members of the victim’s touring group, who were riding behind her, became aware of the incident only after finding her lying unconscious on the pavement.
The victim was immediately taken to Garba Med Hospital for emergency treatment.
“The victim died at the hospital. Her body was taken to Tangerang yesterday, Sunday, February 8. To date, there has been no further coordination with the victim’s family or motorcycle club friends,” Agus said.
Police Continue Investigation into Bag Snatching Crimes in Bali
Following the incident, North Kuta Police launched an intensive investigation. Officers have interviewed several witnesses and secured closed-circuit television footage from the surrounding area.
Agus Pasek said that investigators have collected footage from at least 14 CCTV cameras to help identify the suspects and reconstruct the events leading to the fatal accident.
Based on preliminary findings, police believe the suspects acted without prior planning.
“The reason we call these suspected perpetrators spontaneous is because they act spontaneously, targeting anyone given the opportunity. We also have not yet confirmed in detail which of the three perpetrators who snatched the victim’s bag was the perpetrator,” he said.
The case has added to concerns over bag snatching crimes in Bali, particularly incidents involving motorcyclists.
Police stated that investigations are ongoing and urged the public to remain cautious while travelling at night.