A video showing an altercation involving several foreign nationals and a taxi driver in Canggu, Badung Regency, has circulated widely on social media, prompting an investigation by the Badung Police.
The incident occurred on Jalan Pantai Batu Bolong, Banjar Canggu, Canggu Village, North Kuta District, on Monday (15 June) at approximately 3:35 pm WITA. Footage recorded by bystanders showed several individuals pushing and punching one another in the middle of the road, temporarily disrupting traffic outside Gigi Susu Café.
The video gained widespread attention on social media on Tuesday (16 June), with many users sharing clips of the confrontation. While the footage showed the physical altercation, the circumstances leading to the incident were initially unclear.
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Dispute Began After Alleged Spitting Incident
According to Acting Head of the Public Relations Sub-Division of the Badung Police, First Inspector Ni Nyoman Ayu Inastuti, the confrontation began when a Blue Bird taxi driver was travelling along Jalan Batu Bolong from south to north.
During the journey, the driver was allegedly spat on by a foreign national riding a motorcycle. The foreign national was reportedly part of a group of three foreigners travelling on two Yamaha NMAX motorcycles.
“Disgusted by this behavior, the driver chased the foreigner, overtaking them and stopping in front of Gigi Susu on Jalan Pantai Batu Bolong,” Ayu said, as quoted from Tirto.id.
Once the vehicles had stopped outside the café, a foreign national wearing a white shirt allegedly dismounted from the motorcycle and struck the rear window of the taxi. The taxi driver then exited the vehicle, leading to a verbal confrontation between the parties.
“The foreign national wearing black attempted to break up the situation, but the situation remained tense,” she added.
Situation Escalated Into Physical Fight
Police said the situation escalated shortly afterwards. At approximately 3:37 pm WITA, the group of foreign nationals attempted to leave the area and continue travelling north. However, as they passed the taxi, one of the foreign nationals wearing black was allegedly struck by the taxi driver.
The incident prompted the group to stop their motorcycles, resulting in a physical altercation that attracted the attention of people nearby.
According to police, the situation became more chaotic after several local residents as well as online motorcycle taxi drivers arrived at the scene.
“The commotion involved several people from both sides, escalating the situation. Gigi Susu security officers attempted to break it up, and the situation was brought under control. Both parties then dispersed,” Ayu explained.
Police concluded that the altercation stemmed from alleged inappropriate behaviour that subsequently led to physical contact between the individuals involved. Authorities also noted that the involvement of bystanders contributed to the escalation of the situation.
The Badung Police are continuing their investigation to establish the full sequence of events and determine whether any legal action will be taken against those involved.
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