An Italian national is facing deportation after resisting police officers who issued him a traffic ticket in Denpasar, Bali. The incident, which was captured on video and circulated on social media, took place at a traffic light intersection on Jalan Gunung Agung in West Denpasar.
Denpasar Police Public Relations Chief, First Inspector I Gede Adi Saputra Jaya, said the incident occurred on Wednesday, 22 April, at around 13:00 local time.
According to Adi, the individual, identified by the initials GI, was riding a motorcycle westbound along Jalan Gunung Agung with an Indonesian woman as a passenger. Officers on duty observed that he was not wearing a helmet.
“Because he was not wearing a helmet, he was stopped by officers on duty at the intersection,” Adi said on Thursday, 23 April, as quoted by DetikBali.
The officer involved, First Inspector Yulius, was directing traffic at the time. After stopping the rider, the officer proceeded to check the vehicle and the individual’s identification.
Refusal and Police Action
Police said the situation escalated when GI was about to be issued a ticket. He reportedly refused to comply and reacted angrily towards officers at the scene.
“The person concerned refused to accept the action and became angry with the officers,” Adi stated.
Despite the resistance, officers continued the enforcement process in accordance with applicable regulations. The motorcycle, bearing licence plate number DK 4578 AEQ, was confiscated as evidence.
“We will continue to prosecute violations according to the regulations, and the vehicle is currently being secured as evidence,” Adi added.
Police reported that GI displayed an uncooperative attitude during the encounter. He resisted officers and did not follow instructions given at the scene.
Arrest and Deportation Process
Following the incident, GI was taken into custody by Denpasar City Police. Authorities have since recommended that he be deported.
Denpasar Police Chief, Senior Commissioner Leonardo David Simatupang, confirmed that the individual has been handed over to Immigration authorities for further legal processing.
Leonardo stated that the action was intended to uphold public order and ensure compliance with Indonesian law, particularly among foreign nationals.
“We will not tolerate any actions that could disrupt public order. This demonstrates our commitment, along with relevant agencies, to maintaining a safe and conducive situation,” he said in a statement on Friday, 24 April.