Police in Gianyar, Bali, are investigating a suspected theft involving a foreign tourist at Goa Gajah Temple in Bedulu Village, Blahbatuh District. The incident, which has circulated widely on social media, was captured on closed-circuit television.
According to police, the alleged theft involved sesari money, or temple offerings, taken from a cash box within the temple area. The loss is estimated at around IDR 1.8 million, consisting of Indonesian rupiah and several foreign currencies.
The incident is reported to have taken place on Friday, 24 April 2026, at approximately 1.20 pm Central Indonesian Time. Footage shows a man, believed to be a foreign national, approaching the donation box and taking money from it.
Authorities have not released the identity of the individual. The case remains under investigation as officers review the available evidence.
Lihat postingan ini di Instagram
Police Launch Investigation
Gianyar Police said officers responded after the footage was shared online. The Blahbatuh Police have since taken over the investigation and begun gathering evidence.
Officers visited the scene to document the incident and collect statements from witnesses. The police are also examining the CCTV footage to establish the sequence of events.
Head of Public Relations for Gianyar Police, First Inspector I Gusti Ngurah Suardita, confirmed that the case is being handled as a suspected theft. “The theft was captured on CCTV and went viral on social media. It is suspected to have been carried out by a foreign national,” he said in a statement on Sunday, 26 April 2026, as quoted by detikBali.
He said investigators are focusing on identifying the individual seen in the footage. “We are currently investigating the identity of the alleged perpetrator through CCTV footage and witness statements. We assure you that the legal process will proceed according to applicable regulations,” he said.
Police have not confirmed whether the suspect remains in the area or has left Bali.
Authorities Urge Increased Vigilance
The incident has raised concerns about security at tourist sites, particularly those that also function as places of worship. Police have advised local management to review their monitoring systems and improve oversight.
Suardita urged the management of Goa Gajah Temple to increase vigilance to prevent similar incidents. He did not provide further details on specific measures.
Authorities stated that the investigation will continue until the identity of the individual is confirmed. They also noted that evidence from CCTV recordings and witness accounts will be central to the case.
Police have not announced any arrests at this stage. Further updates are expected as the investigation develops.
