The recent murder of I Komang Agus Asmara, a 25-year-old parking attendant, at Taman Pancing has shocked the Denpasar community, triggering a renewed effort by local authorities to increase night patrols and consider a potential curfew.
The murderer, 31-year-old bread vendor Agus Sugianto, allegedly lured the victim on November 7 to the riverside after coercing him into a series of online bets. As funds dwindled, tensions reportedly erupted into a violent confrontation, with Agus allegedly taking Asmara’s life in a premeditated act.
Suspected Motive Tied to Gambling Debt
The victim’s body was discovered last week on the banks of the Taman Pancing River in South Denpasar, his neck bearing a deep slash wound. Denpasar Police Chief Kombes Wisnu Prabowo confirmed the attack was premeditated, sparked by a quarrel over an online gambling loss.
Sugianto, who worked as a bread vendor, was apprehended early Friday morning at his Kuta workplace. He reportedly attempted to evade arrest, prompting police to subdue him with a shot to the leg.
Asmara, known in his community for his mild demeanor and intellectual disabilities, met Sugianto while working as a parking attendant on Cokroaminoto Street. Their friendship, which began in August, took a dark turn when Sugianto convinced Asmara to join him in online gambling. Under Sugianto’s influence, Asmara pawned his prized motorcycle for 5 million rupiah (around $315) to fund their bets, with promises of winning big enough to replace the motorcycle.
The funds quickly vanished, leading Asmara to demand his motorcycle back.
Tensions escalated on the night of November 6 when Sugianto allegedly attacked Asmara from behind, fatally slashing his neck by the riverside. Following the murder, Sugianto disposed of the evidence — including a box cutter, gloves, and Asmara’s belongings — in the river, then pawned Asmara’s phone for another gambling attempt.
Authorities Respond with Heightened Security Measures
Following the murder, the Denpasar civil service police unit, Satpol PP, has joined forces with the Pecalang (traditional Balinese security), local police, and Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) to strengthen security in Taman Pancing. The initiative includes routine patrols, referred to as “Blue Light Patrols,” led by the Denpasar South Police, which cover high-risk areas to deter further criminal activity.
“Security has been a priority for us, especially after recent incidents,” stated Anak Agung Ngurah Bawa Nendra, head of Satpol PP in Denpasar.
Besides the recent murder, the area has become a popular hangout spot for youth groups, many of whom reportedly stay through the early hours while being heavily intoxicated by alcohol, contributing to noise, litter, and increased opportunities for misconduct.
Law enforcement hopes that more visible patrols, tighter access control, and a possible curfew will prevent Taman Pancing from becoming a magnet for late-night disturbances, restoring the park’s standing as a safe public space for the Denpasar community.
Alongside patrols, authorities are considering structural interventions, such as adding barriers along the riverside to control access points, allowing for better monitoring and prevention efforts.
Talks are also underway to introduce a nighttime curfew similar to that at Puputan Badung Square, where activities halt at midnight.
Denpasar South Police Chief Herson Djuanda emphasized that the enhanced patrols aim to maintain public order by providing a visible law enforcement presence. “Our goal is to restore public confidence and deter criminal activity in all high-risk areas,” Djuanda noted.
