Two officers from the Sentra Pelayanan Kepolisian Terpadu (SPKT) of Kuta Police Station are under investigation by Bali Police’s Profession and Security Division (Bidpropam) for allegedly extorting a Colombian tourist. The incident occurred while the tourist was attempting to report a robbery in Uluwatu, Jimbaran.
In a statement on Tuesday, 21 January 2025, Bali Police spokesperson Kombes Pol Ariasandy confirmed the officers demanded IDR 200.000 from the tourist in exchange for assisting with the filing of her report.
“During the investigation, both officers admitted they agreed to help the foreign national file a report on the condition that she pay IDR 200.000 as an administrative fee,” Ariasandy stated.
Tourist Pressed for Emergency Assistance
The incident began on Sunday, 5 January 2025, when the tourist, accompanied by a local man, arrived at the Kuta Police Station to report the theft of her phone in Uluwatu. However, as Uluwatu falls under the jurisdiction of Kuta Selatan Police Station, she was advised to lodge her report there.
“The tourist refused, citing an emergency as she was preparing to return to her country. She pleaded for assistance to process the report for her insurance claim back home,” Ariasandy explained.
According to the officers’ account, they agreed to help the tourist file the report to facilitate her return and insurance claim. However, they requested IDR 200.000 as an administrative fee. The tourist agreed and paid the amount in a private room at the station before receiving the report.
Video Exposes Incident
The incident came to light when a video surfaced on social media on 19 January 2025, showing the tourist recounting the extortion to a driver. “I received this report, but it wasn’t for that payment. I think they just wanted the money for themselves,” the tourist claimed in the video.
The video prompted Bidpropam Bali Police to launch an investigation. The two officers are currently undergoing examination and have been placed in a special holding unit at Bidpropam.
Alleged Breach of Police Code of Ethics
“Evidence supports allegations of ethical violations as outlined in Article 5 Paragraph (3) and Article 12(h) of Perpol Number 7 of 2022,” Ariasandy noted.
The investigation remains ongoing, and further action against the officers will depend on the findings. The case has sparked discussions on the accountability of law enforcement and the protection of foreign tourists in Bali.
