French Tourist Helped While Climbing, Bag Containing Passport and Rp7 Million Even Raib

The West Halmahera Police (Halbar) team arrested the perpetrator with the initials JW in a case of stealing a bag belonging to a foreign citizen (WNA) from France, in Jailolo, North Maluku, Wednesday (11/3/2026). ANTARA/HO-Halbar Police

HALMAHERA WEST - A French tourist was the victim of theft while on a cycling tour in West Halmahera Regency, North Maluku.

The bag belonging to a tourist named Jimmy (23) was reported missing after he had previously received help from a motorcycle rider when passing the hill.

The police from the West Halmahera Police finally managed to arrest the perpetrator with the initials JW who is known to be a repeat offender for theft.

West Halmahera Police Chief AKBP Teguh Patriot said the disclosure of this case was a form of the police's rapid response in providing protection to the community and tourists who visit.

"We are committed to providing a sense of security to the public and tourists. Every report will be followed up quickly and professionally," said Teguh when contacted from Ternate, Antara, Wednesday, March 11.

The theft occurred on Jalan Trans Halmahera, Gunung Potong area, Domato Village, South Jailolo District.

At that time, the victim was cycling from Dodinga to Sidangoli. When passing the slope, an unknown motorcyclist helped the victim.

However, upon arriving at Sidangoli, specifically at one of the shopping centers, Jimmy realized that the bag that had previously been placed in the back of his bicycle was missing.

Based on the video footage taken earlier, the victim suspected that the bag was taken by a motorcyclist who had helped him on the slope.

The bag contained a number of important items, including passports, satellite phones, credit cards, and cash of around Rp7 million.

Following up on the report, officers from the South Jailolo Sector Police immediately conducted an investigation by utilizing the victim's video footage and tracking the whereabouts of the satellite phone that was also lost.

South Jailolo Police Chief Agung Wira said the results of the investigation showed that the suspected perpetrator was in Guamaadu Village, Jailolo District.

The police team then moved to the location and managed to secure the perpetrator on Wednesday (11/3) at around 03.00 WIT.

From the initial examination, it was found that JW was a repeat offender who had twice served a prison sentence for a similar theft case at the Tobelo Class II B Prison.

"According to the results of the preliminary examination, the perpetrator is a repeat offender with the same case and has already served two sentences," said Agung.

Currently, the perpetrator has been secured at the South Jailolo Police to undergo further legal proceedings.

The police also appealed to the public to remain vigilant and immediately report to the police if they know or experience criminal acts in the area.