A 24-year-old man from West Sumba Regency, East Nusa Tenggara (NTT), has reported being assaulted and extorted after meeting individuals through the dating application Tinder in Bali. The case has drawn public attention after photographs showing injuries to the victim’s face and head circulated widely on social media.
The victim, identified by his initials YKB and known as Krisno, alleged that he was assaulted, robbed and unlawfully confined at a hotel in the Kedonganan Traditional Village area of Kuta, Badung Regency. Family members shared details of the incident through a Facebook post, stating that he had suffered serious injuries during the ordeal.
“Friends, it’s a long story, that’s why I haven’t updated the video yet. It’s long, and my son has a head injury from being tortured by criminals who have no humanity. All his belongings were taken and he was tortured again,” the account wrote.
The family also appealed for prayers and support while authorities searched for those responsible.
Police Confirm Investigation Underway
Denpasar Police Public Relations Chief First Inspector I Gede Adi Saputra Jaya confirmed that a report had been filed and that the case was being investigated by Kuta Police.
According to Adi, a witness identified as HO, who owns a food stall near the scene, assisted the victim after he sought help on 6 June at approximately 6:00 a.m. Central Indonesian Time.
At the time, the victim was reportedly in a state of panic and had suffered a wound to his left temple as well as bruising to his face.
“The witness helped the victim hide and was taken to the hospital. She immediately filed a report with the Kuta Police,” Adi said, as quoted from Detiknews.
Investigators were told that the victim had been communicating with several individuals through Tinder before being offered a position as an administrator and personal assistant at a villa in the Umalas area of Kerobokan, North Kuta.
He was subsequently invited to a hotel meeting under the pretext of signing an employment contract. During the meeting, he was allegedly asked to hand over IDR 4 million for work uniforms, with assurances that the money would be refunded after an invoice was issued.
However, according to the victim’s account, the situation escalated when he was accused of harassing one of the individuals present. He alleged that two mobile phones, a laptop, an identity card and a passport were taken from him before he was ordered to pay IDR 100 million.
“When the victim failed to comply, he claimed to have been beaten and kicked by five perpetrators. As a result of the incident, the victim suffered injuries. The Kuta Police are currently investigating the case,” Adi said.
Victim Claims He Escaped While Captors Slept
Krisno later shared his experience on social media, claiming that he had travelled to Bali on 1 May in search of employment opportunities.
He alleged that he was held against his will in two different hotels between 4 and 9 May and subjected to repeated acts of violence. Police are reportedly searching for two women suspected of masterminding the alleged crime.
“I was tortured like a dog. They beat me with high heels until I had stitches, stepped on me, pulled my cross necklace from behind, and strangled me,” he said.
According to Krisno, the perpetrators also contacted his mother in Sumba and demanded a ransom of IDR 100 million. He further alleged that a man identified as Kenzo or Audrey threatened to cut off his fingers if the money was not paid by midday on 9 May.
“I had given up,” he said.
Krisno stated that he eventually escaped at around 4:00 a.m. on 9 May while those guarding him were asleep. He then sought help at a Madurese food stall, where he borrowed a telephone to contact relatives and friends in Bali.
“I just hoped I could go home,” he said.
“I finally managed to escape from the hotel, ran for help, battered and bloody, met at a Madura restaurant, and was helped to call my family.”
After escaping, Krisno reported the incident to Denpasar Police, which later transferred the case to Kuta Police for further investigation.
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