Australian Woman in Bali Raped at Nightclub, Security Officer Suspected

DENPASAR - The Bali Regional Police (Polda) has uncovered an alleged case of sexual violence by a security officer against an Australian citizen with the initials KNB (22) at a nightclub in the Seminyak area, Kuta District, Badung Regency, Bali.

Director of Criminal Investigation of the Bali Police, Kombes I Gede Adhi Muliawarman, explained that the disclosure of the case began with a police report Number LP/B/225/III/2026/SPKT/Polresta Denpasar/Polda Bali dated March 24, 2026.

The incident occurred on Tuesday, March 24, 2026 at around 04.00 Wita in the women's bathroom area at the nightclub location.

"This victim, a foreign national, initially came to a nightclub. After leaving the location, the victim realized that his belongings were left behind and returned with the reported person, who was a security guard at the entertainment venue," said Adhi, quoted by ANTARA.

While in the bathroom, the woman allegedly committed sexual violence against the victim until it continued to have sex.

After the incident, the victim reported to the Denpasar Police.

Furthermore, the Criminal Investigation Unit of the Denpasar Police then moved quickly to follow up on the report and arrested the suspected perpetrator on Thursday, March 26, 2026 in the West Denpasar area.

From the results of intensive examination of the suspect and witnesses, including the victim, investigators found acts of sexual violence at the scene.

The alleged perpetrator is known as ABM (29), who works as a security officer at the nightclub.

The temporary investigator applies Article 6 letter a of Law Number 12 of 2022 concerning Sexual Violence with a maximum sentence of four years in prison and/or a maximum fine of Rp. 200 million.

In addition, investigators are still exploring the possibility of applying other more severe articles, including provisions in Law Number 1 of 2023 concerning the Criminal Code regarding the crime of rape if the elements are met.

Currently, investigators are continuing to conduct further examinations of witnesses, comprehensive examination of victims, strengthening of evidence including visum et repertum, and coordination with public prosecutors and forensic doctors.

Police appealed to tourists who were on vacation in Bali to be careful of all forms of crime that occurred.

"We at the Police will of course continue to patrol, appeal, and enforce the law so that Bali is safe to visit. However, we ask that you take care of yourself, minimize the potential or opportunity for criminal events to occur," he said.