Three foreign tourists reported sexual assault in separate incidents in Bali between 23 and 25 March 2026. The cases involved two Chinese nationals and one Australian citizen. Police have arrested suspects in all three cases and are continuing their investigations.
Suspect Arrested in Labuansait Case
The first case occurred in the early hours of Monday, 23 March, in the Labuansait area of South Kuta. A Chinese tourist, identified as RF, reported that she was assaulted after leaving a bar.
According to police, the victim departed the venue at approximately 4:30 a.m. WITA while under the influence of alcohol. She is believed to have taken a motorcycle taxi, but could not confirm whether it was booked through an application or arranged informally.
During the journey, the driver allegedly diverted from the expected route and stopped in a secluded area in Pecatu. Police stated that the suspect forced the victim into a grassy area and carried out the assault.
The perpetrator later returned the victim to her accommodation and borrowed her phone, claiming he needed directions. He then left with the device.
The Director of General Criminal Investigation at Bali Regional Police, Senior Commissioner I Gede Adhi Muliawarman said, “When the perpetrator returned to the victim’s villa, he confessed to wanting to return the victim’s cellphone. We were waiting there with the vehicle identification number, so we immediately ambushed him.”
The suspect was arrested at the victim’s accommodation. He has been charged under Article 473 of Law No. 1 of 2023 on the Criminal Code.
Hotel Employee Arrested in Canggu Incident
A second case involving a Chinese tourist, identified as QY (34), occurred on Wednesday, 25 March, in the Canggu area.
Police reported that the victim returned to her hotel at approximately 4:00 a.m. but was unable to enter her room as it was locked from the inside. She then approached the front desk for assistance and was accompanied by a hotel employee.
According to Kompas.com, Senior Commissioner Adhi Muliawarman stated, “When the reporter arrived at the front desk, the victim only met the perpetrator and asked for help opening her door. Then, the victim and the perpetrator walked to her room.”
The suspect allegedly failed to open the door and persuaded the victim to return to the front desk. During this time, he is accused of physically restraining and assaulting her.
Police said the victim resisted and managed to escape. She returned to her room and reported the incident. The suspect was arrested the following day.
He has been charged under Article 6(a) of Law No. 12 of 2022 on Sexual Violence Crimes.
Australian Tourist Assault Case in Seminyak
A third case involved an Australian national, identified as KNB (22), in the Seminyak area on Tuesday, 24 March.
The incident reportedly took place in the women’s bathroom of a nightclub at around 4:00 a.m. The victim returned to the venue to retrieve her belongings and was accompanied by a security guard.
Police allege that the suspect assaulted the victim inside the bathroom.
Senior Commissioner Adhi Muliawarman said, “The victim, a female foreign national, initially came to the nightclub. After leaving, she realised she had left her belongings behind and returned, accompanied by the reported party, a security guard at the nightclub.”
The suspect, identified as ABM (29), was arrested on Thursday, 26 March, in West Denpasar. Investigators are applying Article 6(a) of Law No. 12 of 2022 and are considering additional charges under the Criminal Code.
Police Urge Vigilance
Police confirmed that all three suspects are in custody and that investigations are ongoing. Authorities are examining evidence, including witness statements and forensic reports.
Senior Commissioner Adhi Muliawarman urged visitors to remain cautious.
“We in the Police, of course, continue to conduct patrols, issue warnings, and enforce the law to ensure Bali is a safe place to visit. However, we urge you to exercise self-control and minimise the potential or opportunity for criminal incidents.”
Cover: Photo by Kindel Media/Pexels
