An American tourist named James Christopher was left homeless in the Petitenget area of Kerobokan Kelod, North Kuta, Badung, Bali. The man, reportedly out of provisions, resorted to begging and stayed for four days at a Starbucks in the area.
James even used the café as a temporary place to sleep during this time.
His behaviour caused concern for the coffee shop manager, who eventually reported the American tourist to the Badung Pamong Praja Police Unit (Satpol PP) in Bali. Officers apprehended James at approximately 9:00 am on Monday, 23 December 2024.
The head of Operations and Control at Badung Satpol PP, I Made Astika Jaya, stated that the foreigner appeared to be distressed.
“Starbucks employees contacted us requesting assistance to ensure the foreigner could be secured. It turned out he had been staying there for four days and appeared to be depressed,” he explained, as quoted by Detik.
James had initially fled upon learning that officers were coming to pick him up on Saturday, 21 December 2024. However, he returned the following day and remained seated on a bench at the café until officers eventually detained him.
According to reports from local residents, the American tourist had been seen loitering and begging around the Leo Petitenget Intersection. When questioned by officers, James claimed he had run out of money because his ATM card had been blocked.
“We had actually received reports about him since last Saturday. However, because he fled, we coordinated with staff at the location. When information came through that he had returned, we persuaded him to cooperate. It was challenging to communicate with him as he seemed depressed,” said I Made Astika Jaya.
The Satpol PP is now liaising with the US Consulate. It has been confirmed that James was staying at a hotel in Jalan Popies, Kuta. Officers have also secured his belongings, including bags, a mobile phone, and some clothing.
