Police detained an American citizen after an altercation with construction workers at a project site on Jalan Pantai Suluban, Pecatu Village, South Kuta District, Badung, on Sunday morning. The incident occurred at around 09.30 WITA and resulted in injuries to both the tourist and at least one project worker, according to the South Kuta Police.
Authorities reported that the confrontation escalated from verbal disagreement to physical violence. The incident began when the American citizen, identified as MD, aged 29, approached the site while speaking in a raised tone and recording with a mobile phone.
“Furthermore, there was a commotion between the victim’s workers and the foreigners because they did not accept what the foreigners did,” said the Head of Public Relations of the Denpasar Police, Kompol I Ketut Sukadi, as reported by detikBali, Monday (24/11/2025).
Initial Dispute Linked to Previous Fuel Incident
At the time of the incident, worker Ni Komang Sri Hartati Rahayu Ningsih, aged 47, was cleaning heavy machinery that had reportedly been doused with diesel two days earlier. Police stated that the equipment had been sprayed with fuel by the same American citizen involved in the altercation.
MD initially left the location after the verbal exchange. However, South Kuta Police reported that he later returned carrying a piece of wood and a sharp weapon resembling a machete.
Physical Assault and Worker Injuries
Upon returning to the project area, MD allegedly struck the back of the worker’s neck, causing her to fall and experience blurred vision and dizziness. Other workers reportedly fled the area after seeing the suspect holding a sharp weapon.
Police confirmed that the worker suffered dizziness from blunt force trauma, along with abrasions on her elbow and knee. MD was also found with injuries, including a laceration on the upper part of his ear and bruises on his knee and elbow.
Police Conduct On-site Investigation
South Kuta Police Chief Iptu Ketut Sukadi stated that officers immediately carried out a crime scene investigation and secured the suspect, the injured worker, witnesses, and physical evidence. Authorities have not yet determined the motive behind the confrontation.
According to Sukadi, the investigation has been delayed because a certified interpreter is required to conduct a formal examination of the American citizen. Police have emphasized that questioning cannot proceed until an interpreter is present to ensure procedural accuracy.
Coordination with the United States Embassy
In addition to securing the suspect and collecting evidence, police have begun coordinating with the United States Embassy on the case. The embassy has been informed of the arrest and the need for proper translation support during the investigative process.
Investigation Continues Pending Interpreter
As of the latest update, South Kuta Police have not released further details on the cause of the dispute or the circumstances leading to the earlier diesel spraying incident. The investigation remains active and is expected to progress once a certified interpreter becomes available to facilitate official questioning. Police stated that all parties involved stay under monitoring while the case proceeds through the standard investigative steps.
