Soon-to-wed Balinese migrant worker dies from heart attack in Dubai

File photo of a ngaben traditional cremation rite performed in Bali. Photo: Buleleng Regency
File photo of a ngaben traditional cremation rite performed in Bali. Photo: Buleleng Regency

A Balinese woman in her late 20s, who worked as a spa therapist in Dubai, died after suffering a heart attack at her work place last week, her family confirmed, who added that she was supposed to marry the love of her life upon her return.

Twenty-nine-year-old Ni Wayan Suyanti Ariani was born in Klungkung and began working in Dubai about 10 months ago in a two-year contract after finishing a spa course with an agency in Denpasar.

The family said that Suyanti suddenly collapsed at her workplace on Sept. 11. The local hospital confirmed that a heart attack caused her death.

Suyanti planned to have her wedding back home after finishing her contract – she even bought a ring and prepared a songket (traditional clothing) for the big day.

Her mother, Ni Wayan Resni, 70, remembered her daughter as a happy-go-lucky person who called her family almost every day even though she lived abroad. 

“[The day before the incident] she called and said she was happy working [in Dubai] but felt homesick,” Resni said, adding that this was Suyanti’s first time working abroad.

Suyanti’s brother, Nengah Sukadana, said that his sister was a strong-willed person. He was initially not crazy about the idea of her working abroad even though he works at a cruise ship himself.


Suyanti’s body arrived in Bali on Sept. 16 and the family plans for her ngaben [funeral] ceremony to take place this Thursday.



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