Kuta Police shames ‘tourist-disturbing’ suspects with very public press conference in front of Bali Bombing Monument

Police line up three suspects accused of committing crimes targeting tourists during a press conference held at the Bali Bombing Memorial on Thursday. Photo via Instagram @beritanya_bali
Police line up three suspects accused of committing crimes targeting tourists during a press conference held at the Bali Bombing Memorial on Thursday. Photo via Instagram @beritanya_bali

Police lined up three men, who allegedly committed crimes “disturbing tourists”, in front of the Bali Bombing memorial to shame them with a very public press conference on Thursday in Kuta.

The memorial, dedicated to those that lost their lives in the tragic terrorist attack in 2002, is on Jl. Legian, Kuta’s main thoroughfare.

Police seem to have the understanding that if you’re going to really shame someone, you have got to do it in front of a crowd. Because of its very central location, there were onlookers aplenty yesterday at the monument, which is also referred to as “Ground Zero.” 

A post shared by Tribun Bali (@tribunbali) on

One of the suspects, Komang Jordan, alias Manik, 19, is accused of snatching a French tourist’s bag. While the other two, Ketut Aget, 22, and Made Somi, 24, who both claim to be motorcycle taxi drivers, were tracked down after CCTV footage went viral, showing them harassing tourists on popular backpacking alley, Poppies II. The video was just posted by Facebook user ‘Agung Candra’ on July 17.

“We immediately investigated the video and managed to capture both people who are shown on the CCTV,” Kuta Police Chief Wayan Sumara said before the press on Thursday.

During questioning, the motorcycle taxi drivers told police that they were not seasoned bag snatchers.

“The two men claimed it was their first time. They are subject to Article 493 of the Criminal Code on Public Security Violations, with the threat of a one-month prison sentence,” Sumara said.

As for Jordan, the other suspect up on display yesterday, his case is still “being developed” because his alleged accomplice is still at large, Sumara said. 

Police seem to be growing increasingly frustrated with crime levels in Bali—especially activity targeting tourists, since tourism is Bali’s biggest industry. Earlier this month, Bali Police formed a squad dedicated to fighting street crime, such as muggings and motorcycle gangs.



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