Denpasar Police Chief denies seizing the victim's HP at Kuta Police Station

Denpasar Police Chief, Bali, Kombes Leonardo David Simatupang/ANTARA/Rolandus Nampu

DENPASAR - Denpasar Police Chief Kombes Leonardo David Simatupang denied confiscating a cellphone from a reported person who claimed to be a journalist while at the Kuta Police Station as narrated in a video that went viral on social media.

Leonardo explained that FV, the man who narrated his cellphone was seized, was the reported party in the case of alleged intimidation and persecution that occurred at the Bali Sun Tropical Hotel & Spa, Legian, Kuta, Badung Regency, on Saturday (11/7/2026) evening.

According to the Police Chief, based on the statements of the reporter and a number of witnesses, the dispute began with a quarrel that developed into an alleged threat and throwing objects.

It was also reported that he was suspected of carrying a brass knuckles-like object and issuing threats to the reporter.

The officers then secured the parties to the Kuta Police to undergo the handling process in accordance with applicable legal provisions.

The police chief said that while at the Kuta Police, the suspect was allegedly still under the influence of alcoholic beverages and carrying a bottle of liquor.

"The person concerned also admitted that he was a journalist, but he could not show a press card because he claimed that the identity was in the hotel room," he said.

Around 02.00 Wita, the Denpasar Police Chief visited the Kuta Police to directly monitor the handling of the case and ensure that the situation remained conducive.

At that time, the Police Chief asked that video recording activities be temporarily stopped in order to maintain order and the smooth process of examination.

He emphasized that the request was not an act of seizing a mobile phone or obstructing journalistic work.

"I ask that the recording or video recording activity be stopped temporarily in order to maintain order and the smooth process of handling the case. This request is not an act of seizing the mobile phone belonging to the person concerned and is not intended to hinder journalistic work," said the Police Chief.

Leonardo said at that time investigators had not yet been able to ask for optimal information due to the condition of the report.

Meanwhile, the results of the urine examination conducted by the Narcotics Unit of the Denpasar Police showed a positive result for benzodiazepine.

However, according to the Police Chief, the findings still require further investigation, including the possibility of using drugs based on a doctor's prescription or other medical indications.

The Police Chief emphasized that his party still prioritizes the principle of presumption of innocence and that all cases are handled in accordance with applicable legal procedures.

"We prioritize the principle of presumption of innocence. The results still require deepening according to the applicable mechanism and do not necessarily conclude that there has been drug abuse," he said.

He also appealed to the public not to easily believe in video clips or narratives that circulate without knowing the chronology of events in full.